Avalanche Forecast

On Wednesday, several, size 1 and size 2 loose wet and glide slab avalanches were reported triggered by warm temperatures and solar input. As temperatures cool Wednesday night avalanche activity is expected to subside.

On Tuesday, a size 1.5 skier-triggered wind slab avalanche was reported on a north aspect at 1900 m. The wind slab released on a weak layer of surface hoar found below.

At 2200 m and below, the moist snow surface is refreezing into a thick crust. In the alpine and exposed treeline, this crust overlies old wind slabs and wind-affected surfaces. On sheltered northerly aspects in the alpine, dry snow may exist.

10 to 30 cm down is a small weak layer of surface hoar or facets. This layer remains a concern in isolated areas where a wind slab overlies it.

A crust is buried 60 to 100 cm deep and may have a layer of surface hoar sitting above it. Recent tests show this layer as unreactive.

The remainder of the mid and lower snowpack is well-settled.

Snow depths at treeline are roughly 100 to 150 cm.

Wednesday Night

Increasing cloud. 35 to 45 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing levels drop to 1000 m.

Thursday

Mostly cloudy with light flurries, 1 cm. 10 to 25 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C. Freezing levels drop to the valley bottom.

Friday

Mainly sunny. 10 to 20 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -9 °C.

Saturday

Partly cloudy. 5 to 10 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Wind slabs are isolated, but may remain reactive.
• Avalanche activity is unlikely when a thick melt-freeze crust is present on the snow surface.
• A hard crust on the snow surface will help strengthen the snowpack, but may cause tough travel conditions.
• If you are increasing your exposure to avalanche terrain, do it gradually as you gather information.