Avalanche Forecast

Moderate - Uncertainty is due to how quickly the snowpack will recover and gain strength.

Monday night: Partly cloudy. Light to moderate northwest wind. Freezing level valley bottom. Alpine temperature -13.

Tuesday: Mix of sun and cloud. Light northwest wind. Freezing level 1500 m. Alpine temperature -9.

Wednesday: Sunny. Light southwest wind. Freezing level 2100 m. Alpine temperature -1.

Thursday: Sunny. Light southwest wind. Freezing level 2100 m. Alpine temperature -1.

Preliminary reports of avalanche activity during the storm on Sunday include a numerous explosive triggered size 2 loose wet avalanche on a northeast aspect around 1700 m. It is suspected to have scrubbed down to a crust near the ground, as rain and warm temperatures destabilized the full depth of the snowpack.

15-40 cm of recent snow came with west to northwest wind, likely loading the fresh snow into lee features at upper elevations. Crusty and/or moist surfaces exist below treeline depending on elevation and time of day.

A widespread crust layer from the mid-March warm spell can be found 30-60 cm deep, and small surface hoar has been observed at this depth on some isolated north-facing slopes. Reports suggest the snow is generally well bonded to these layers. Deeper layers are strong and have been unreactive over the past few weeks. 

• Keep in mind that human triggering potential persists as natural avalanching tapers off.
• Start with conservative lines and watch for clues of instability.
• Seek out sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been wind-affected.
• Use extra caution around cornices: they are large, fragile, and can trigger slabs on slopes below.