Avalanche Forecast

Moderate

• We have a good understanding of the snowpack structure and confidence in the weather forecast.
• We are uncertain due to a limited number of field observations.

No recent avalanches have been reported in the region.

Human-triggered slab avalanches in specific areas may be possible. Natural avalanches are considered unlikely at this time.

Observations are still limited, so be sure to post yours to the MIN if you get out!

Recent snow and southwesterly winds have formed small wind slabs on lee slopes at upper elevations. Rain has fallen at lower elevations below treeline.

In the alpine, wind slabs overlie a hard crust that extends up to 2300 m. Large surface hoar can be found on this crust at treeline and below. Recent rain likely neutralized the surface hoar problem at lower elevations.

A second layer of facets or surface hoar is buried around 50 to 100 cm deep, and is considered unlikely to trigger at this point.

The mid and lower snowpack have no layers of concern. Snowpack depths are around 150-200 cm at treeline.

Sunday Night

Mostly cloudy. 2 to 5 cm of snow at treeline, rain possible below 1300 m. 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 1400 m.

Monday

Mostly cloudy. 1 to 5 cm of snow at treeline, rain possible below 1200 m. 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 1300 m.

Tuesday

Mostly cloudy. 3 to 10 mm of rain at treeline. 60 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 1 °C. Freezing level 1800 m.

Wednesday

Mostly cloudy. 4 to 10 mm of rain at treeline. 70 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 3 °C. Freezing level 2000 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Avoid freshly wind-loaded features, especially near ridge crests, rollovers, and in steep terrain.
• Use ridges or ribs to avoid areas of wind-loaded snow.
• Surface hoar distribution is highly variable. Avoid generalizing your observations.