Avalanche Forecast

Good

A high pressure ridge will continue to bring dry, warm conditions.Friday and Saturday: An inversion will generate an above freezing layer from around 2200 to 3300m. Expect some cloud around 2000 m as well as some strong alpine sunshine. Alpine temperatures will reach around +4C and will feel higher still in the sunshine. Ridgetop winds 20-30 km/h from the NW.Sunday: A cooler day as far as air temperatures go, but cloud dissipating, so treeline areas may actually feel warmer. Slightly windier, with Winds gusting to 30 km/h from the NW.

Minor sluffing up to size 1 was observed in the new snow on Wednesday.

The recent dry, warm weather has generally consolidated the upper snowpack. Old, stubborn hard wind slabs may exist under a skiff of new snow. Steep, sun exposed features are most likely seeing a daily melt-freeze cycle.The biggest concern throughout the region is a layer of weak sugary depth hoar at the base of the snowpack which may coexist with a crust which formed in October. I would continue to be suspicious of any large or unsupported upper elevation slopes, especially if they haven't already avalanched. Possible triggers include a heavy load over a thin spot, a cornice fall or rapid temperature change. Any avalanche failing at this interface would be highly destructive.