Avalanche forecast

Northwest Mountains

Crested Butte Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Accumulating snow over the last 24hrs has created a nice little reset to current riding conditions. This snow was accompanied by westerly winds that will have formed wind slabs on some near and above treeline terrain features. In wind-sheltered areas with around 6" or more of new snow, you can expect to manage sluffs and the potential for small storm slabs in steep terrain. This will be a great day to go grab some late-season skiing and riding while managing new snow avalanche problems. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2

    Last night, previous to 2am, westerly winds on Scarps Ridge at 12,000ft were blowing in the 20 to 30 mph range with gusts above 50 mph. At 11,000ft on Mt Crested Butte, those wind speeds averaged in the teens with gusts into the 20's. Those winds have since died down and become light early this morning, while the last couple of inches of snow was still accumulating. Recent wind loading patterns may not be easily recognizable given the decrease in winds while those last couple inches of snow accumulated. If you are traveling in steep wind-loaded terrain today, you will need to evaluate the terrain for this potential avalanche problem. 

    An example of a small wind slab located on the lee side of a ridgeline. 

Avalanche Discussion

Snow totals as of 5am are looking to be in the range of 5" to 8" for the NW Mountains and 3" to 6" for the SE Mountains. That is the best guess, based on remote weather stations. Snow totals are probably higher above 11,000ft. The potential for wind slab avalanches is driving the MODERATE avalanche danger rating. This danger rating was also extended to below treeline elevations in the NW Mountains as there is enough new snow sluff management in steep terrain and perhaps some small storm slabs.

 Sunday will be another great day to get out in the mountains with the opportunity to get into the alpine with a better cloud forecast. Previously formed wind slabs will likely remain on the problem list, while wet loose avalanches will also make an appearance as high temperatures climb above freezing. For the most part, those wet avalanches should be small and predictable, and the recent cold weather will keep them from gouging into old snow. 

Regions covered