Avalanche Forecast

Moderate - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain

FRIDAY: Clear with cloudy periods / light easterly wind / alpine low -6 C / freezing level 800 mSATURDAY: Cloudy / up to 15 cm snow accumulation / moderate to strong southwest wind / alpine high -5 C / freezing level 1700 mSUNDAY: Cloudy with sunny periods / 5-10 cm snow accumulation / moderate west wind / alpine high -7 C / freezing level 1600 mMONDAY: Mix of sun and cloud / light west wind / alpine high -6 C / freezing level 1700 m

On Thursday no new avalanche activity was observed. On Wednesday no natural avalanche activity was reported. A human triggered wind slab avalanche of size 1.5 on a north aspect at treeline was observed in the south of the region.On Tuesday, several natural and human triggered storm/wind slab avalanches 10-50 cm deep and up to size 2.5 were observed on north and east aspects in the alpine. A size 1.5 explosive triggered cornice did not trigger an avalanche on the northeast facing slope below. Several natural loose wet and wet slab avalanches up to size 2 were reported from southeast, south, west and northwest facing slopes (see a MIN report from Glacier National Park).

The new snow likely falls on a melt-freeze crust on all aspects except for north facing slopes above 2000 m, where the snow stayed dry. Last weeks unsettled weather produced 20-50 cm of snow which is slowly bonding on northern aspects where it might sit on surface hoar (feathery crystals) in some areas.  Older wind slabs sitting on surface hoar might still be sensitive to human triggers.Snowfall amounts taper quickly below treeline. Snow is disappearing rapidly at lower elevations.