Avalanche Forecast

Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the limited number of field observations.

Unsettled conditions are expected on Tuesday as Arctic air shifts southward. 

Monday Night: Partly cloudy, light variable wind, treeline temperature dropping to around -12 C°.

Tuesday: Mainly cloudy with snow flurries up to 5 cm, light to moderate wind shifting to the NE, treeline high around -10 C°.

Wednesday: A mix of sun and cloud, light variable wind, treeline high around -15 C°.

Thursday: A mix of sun and cloud, light to moderate variable wind, treeline high around -8 C°.

An early report from Monday shows explosives triggering numerous size 2 storm slabs which were releasing down 20-30 cm and propagating widely. On Sunday, a natural size 1 cornice release was reported failing overnight during strong winds. 

Up to 25 cm of new snow has buried a highly variable snow surface which consists of wind affected surfaces in exposed high elevation terrain, a melt freeze crust at lower elevations and on solar aspects extending into the alpine, and/or widespread surface hoar in sheltered areas which is typically 10-20 mm but as big as 30 mm in places. 

The widespread January 18 rain crust is now down around 40-50 cm but has not been creating an avalanche problem recently. The midpack is strong and well-consolidated above the early December facet/crust layer which is now down 100-200 cm. This layer has been dormant recently and is not currently a concern for the region but could still be a problem in the future. See the most recent forecaster blog for more details on this layer. 

• Be especially cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.
• Wind slabs may be poorly bonded to the underlying crust.
• Continue to make conservative terrain choices while the storm snow settles and stabilizes.
• Be aware of the potential for loose avalanches in steep terrain where snow hasn't formed a slab.