Avalanche Forecast

Poor - Due to limited field observations for the entire period

A Pacific frontal system is moving through the interior regions Friday and extending into Saturday. This will bring strong ridgetop winds and moderate amounts of snow, especially in upslope areas. After the front passes, a weak ridge of high pressure will push into the region bringing dryer, cooler, and clearing conditions that will last through the weekend. Freezing levels will stay in the valley bottom through the period.

Several size 1.0 natural avalanches were reported near the central part of the region on North aspects @ 2300m. Control work in the Dogtooth Range produced Size 2-2.5, on NE through SE aspects above 2100 m. The failure plane being the Nov 17th surface hoar layer. This layer is a concern of mine heading into the weekend, it may be easily triggered by the load of a sled, or skiers hitting the sweat spot and initiating a large avalanche.

Storm slabs and wind slabs are reported to be widespread at treeline and in the alpine. Most suspect slopes that host touchy wind slabs are leeward (North-North East) and behind ridge crests and terrain features. A couple early season persistent layers also exist. The most reactive being a surface hoar layer that was buried on November 17th. This is buried down 40-80 cm and may be easily triggered under he weight of skier or sledder. The early November crust also exists deeper in the snowpack has been reported as widespread at all elevations and on all aspects. Below this crust large faceted crystals are forming. Alpine snow depths are 150-200cm, and treeline is roughly sitting around 50-100 cm in depth.