Avalanche Forecast

Moderate - Uncertainty is due to how quickly the snowpack will recover and gain strength. Uncertainty is due to the fact that persistent slabs are particularly difficult to forecast.

TUESDAY NIGHT - Mainly cloudy with a few flurries / moderate southwest wind, switching to light northwest wind overnight / alpine low temperature near -11 

WEDNESDAY - Sunny with cloudy periods / light north wind / alpine high temperature near -10

THURSDAY - Mainly cloudy with a few flurries, 5-10 cm / strong west wind / alpine high temperature near -7 

FRIDAY - A mix of sun and cloud / moderate northwest wind / alpine high temperature near -6

Human triggered avalanches will remain likely on Wednesday, especially in wind loaded areas at higher elevations. 

There were several reports of size 1-2.5 natural, human and explosives triggered avalanches in the region on Monday. It is suspected that some of these failed on the recently buried persistent weak layer.

There were several reports of size 1-1.5 natural and human triggered avalanches in the region on Sunday.

30-60 cm of recent fresh snow sits on a persistent weak layer that consists of facets at upper elevations, surface hoar in sheltered areas, a melt-freeze crust below 1600 m, and a sun crust on south-facing slopes. 

In the south, the underlying snowpack is well consolidated. In the north, a melt-freeze crust from early December may be found 100 to 200 cm deep. Recent reports suggest that this layer is gaining strength and it has been unreactive in recent weeks.

• Keep in mind that human triggering potential persists as natural avalanching tapers off.
• Continue to make conservative terrain choices while the storm snow settles and stabilizes.
• Avoid freshly wind loaded terrain features.
• Be aware of the potential for large avalanches due to the presence of a persistent slab.