Avalanche Forecast

Spring conditions exist in the region. Avalanches are most likely to occur in response to solar radiation, warm temperatures, and periods of rain. Particularly dangerous conditions may develop during prolonged periods of warming, heavy rain, or on days with no overnight freeze. Under these conditions, surface avalanches may step down and trigger deeper wet slab avalanches. Prolonged warming may also weaken large and destructive cornices, which are a danger in themselves or could act as a heavy trigger on the slope below. Typically, avalanche activity ramps up during the day and is at a peak during the afternoon. If it's raining or there was no overnight freeze, avalanche activity can happen at any time.

As we transition into spring, the surface layers have a great deal of influence on the snowpack. When there is a solid re-frozen surface crust, travel is fast and easy, and the snowpack is held together by the surface cap. Any deeper persistent weak layers are unlikely to fail until the surface cap breaks down from daytime heating. During warm conditions, melt water is able to percolate within the snowpack and cause surface layers and any deeper weak layers to fail. If it cools off and snows, new snow may not bond well to the hard spring crusts, and isolated storm and wind slabs can easily develop.