Avalanche Forecast

Evidence of a widespread avalanche cycle up to size 3 was reported today. The cycle happened early this week.

New snow and wind on Thursday will likely build isolated, yet reactive wind slabs at upper elevations. Dry loose sluffing may exist in steep terrain features.

A rain-saturated upper snowpack exists to mountaintop. As freezing levels fall Thursday, a widespread crust will form at upper elevations, and lower elevations may continue to be wet with rain. New snow accompanied by strong south wind will likely build wind slabs at upper elevations. Expect deeper and more reactive deposits on north—and east-facing slopes.

A robust crust, formed in early March, can be found in the mid-pack. The snow above is well bonded to this crust.

Below this, the snowpack is well consolidated and strong.

Wednesday Night

Cloudy with up to 10 to 25 mm mostly falling as rain. 40 to 75 km/h south ridgetop winds. Treeline temperature 4 °C. Freezing level 2500 m and dropping to 1000 m by 4 am.

Thursday

Mostly cloudy with 5 to 15 mm falling as snow above 1000 m. 40 to 60 km/h south ridgetop winds. Treeline temperature 4 °C. Freezing level 1100 m.

Friday

Mostly cloudy with 15 to 30 mm falling as snow above 1000 m. 50 km/h south ridgetop winds. Treeline temperature 2 °C. Freezing level 1000 m.

Saturday

Cloudy with 5 to 10 mm falling as snow above 1000 m. 20 to 40 km/h south ridgetop winds. Treeline temperature 2 °C.

Freezing level 1000 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Be alert to conditions that change with elevation, aspect, and exposure to wind.
• Wind slabs are most reactive during their formation.
• Use extra caution around cornices: they are large, fragile, and can trigger slabs on slopes below.