Avalanche Forecast

Low

• We are uncertain about forecast precipitation amounts.
• We are uncertain due to variable freezing levels.
• We are uncertain due to a limited number of field observations.

Over the past few days small skier and sledder triggered avalanches have been reported. One of these avalanches was remotely triggered below treeline from 7 m away. This avalanche was on a southeast aspect.

We expect that a natural avalanche cycle started on Monday but  observations have been limited in this region due to poor visibility.

Ongoing rain will saturate the upper snowpack below treeline. At treeline and above, 35 to 60 cm of storm snow will continue to be redistributed by strong southwest wind, forming deep deposits on north and east aspects. A thick crust from earlier this month can be found down 40 to 80 cm at treeline and below.

Two more crusts, with facets above them, can be found down 70 to 150 cm. These crusts remain a concern in shallow, rocky areas.

The remainder of the snowpack is well settled and bonded.

Tuesday Night
Cloudy. 4 to 10 cm of snow at treeline, rain at lower elevation. 60 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 2 °C. Freezing level 2000 m.

Wednesday
Mostly cloudy. 5 to 15 mm of rain at treeline, snow in the alpine. 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 2°C. Freezing level 2200 m.

Thursday
Mostly cloudy. 10 to 25 cm of snow at treeline, rain at lower elevations. 60 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0°C. Freezing level 2000 m.

Friday
Mostly cloudy. 10 cm of snow at treeline, rain at lower elevations. 60 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0°C. Freezing level 2000 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Avoid avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind, or rain.
• Avoid shallow, rocky areas where the snowpack transitions from thick to thin.
• Avoid areas with overhead hazard.
• Keep in mind that the high density of wet avalanches can make them destructive.