Avalanche Forecast

Saturday night: Cloudy, 10-20 cm of new snow, strong southwest wind, freezing level dropping to 1000 m in the afternoon, alpine temperatures reach -4 C.

Sunday: Cloudy, 5-15 cm of new snow, moderate southwest wind, freezing level near 1000 m, alpine temperatures reach -6 C.

Monday: Cloudy, 20-30 cm of new snow, strong southwest wind, freezing level climbing to 1000 m in the afternoon, alpine temperatures reach -4 C.

Tuesday: Mostly cloudy, 5-15 cm of new snow, light southwest wind, freezing level climbing to 1000 m in the afternoon, alpine temperatures reach -4 C.

Slab avalanches are a concern on slopes with accumulations of new snow, especially in wind-loaded terrain. Mountain travel and field observations over the past week have been very limited. Little is known about recent avalanche activity. 

New snow and strong southwest wind are building widespread, reactive storm slabs and creating dangerous avalanche conditions. 

Incremental snowfall over the past week covers a variety of previous snow surfaces including crusts, warm snow, and wind-affected snow. There is some uncertainty about how well the new snow will bond to these interfaces. 

The snowpack is generally strong and settled, with the exception of some areas in the eastern and northern parts of the region that have weak faceted snow near the base of the snowpack. However, this layer is considered dormant and has not produced an avalanche since February 20.

• Storm snow and wind is forming touchy slabs. Use caution in lee areas in the alpine and treeline.