Avalanche Forecast

Watch for periods of warming in the form of sun or rain to weaken the surface crusts. If above freezing conditions persist through overnight periods the poor recovery of surface crusts and further heating may affect deeper layers. Spring storms will undoubtedly bring additional snow to the area: watch for new storm and wind slabs to form.

Melt freeze cycles have created surface crusts on all but high North facing slopes. As new snow accumulates over these crusts watch for storm slab and wind slab problems to arise. Cornices have continued to grow with recent storms. The midpack and buried crusts provide strength over the weak basal facets in most areas with deep snowpack values.

Recent local avalanche activity has included loose wet events associated with heating in the form of sun or, at lower elevations, rain. On the larger scene, large events failing to the basal layers continue to be reported as the snowpack loses strength with heating. Cornices and smaller avalanches are potential triggers for this type of event.