Avalanche Forecast

On Wednesday, numerous natural slab avalanches were reported up to size 1. However, the observations were limited due to visibility and suspect an ongoing avalanche cycle had occurred.

Natural, and human-triggered avalanche activity will likely continue on Friday.

Up to 70 cm of storm snow overlies wind-affected surfaces and old wind slabs in exposed areas and 30 to 60 cm of settling snow in sheltered areas.

Multiple weak layers exist in the upper and mid snowpack. The most concerning weak layer is a widespread crust found down 60 to 100 cm, with weak, faceted snow immediately above it. This layer will need time to adjust to the new snow load. Although natural avalanche activity may taper out on this layer as the snow stops falling it will remain possible to human-trigger it for some time afterward.

Thursday Night

Cloudy with snow 5 to 15 cm. Ridgetop wind 25 gusting to 60 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C. Freezing levels valley bottom.

Friday

Cloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurries. 15 to 50 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3°C. Freezing level 1000 m.

Saturday

Cloudy with snow 5 cm. 15 to 40 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C. Freezing level hovers around 700 m.

Sunday

Cloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurries. Light southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C. The freezing level hovers around 900 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Storm snow and wind is forming touchy slabs. Use caution in lee areas in the alpine and treeline.
• Potential for wide propagation exists, fresh slabs may rest on surface hoar, facets and/or crust.
• Remote triggering is a concern, watch out for adjacent and overhead slopes.
• Brief periods of sun could quickly initiate natural avalanche activity.