Avalanche Forecast

WEDNESDAY NIGHT: Clear skies, light south wind, alpine temperature -3 C, freezing level 1100 m.

THURSDAY: Clear skies, light to moderate southwest wind, alpine temperature -3 C, freezing level 1400 m.

FRIDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, light to moderate southwest wind, alpine temperature -5 C, freezing level 1000 m.

SATURDAY: Cloudy with light snowfall and afternoon clearing, accumulation 5 cm, light northwest wind, alpine temperature -8 C, freezing level 1000 m.

No new avalanches were observed on Tuesday.

Clear skies have formed a melt-freeze crust on sun-exposed aspects, which will moisten during daytime heating. Soft snow should prevail on shaded aspects, which overlies hard surfaces and potentially surface hoar in sheltered terrain around treeline. Isolated wind slabs may still linger in steep, lee terrain features in the alpine. The clear skies are allowing for surface hoar to grow, which may become problematic after the next large snowfall.

The midpack is well-settled. Faceted snow and crusts exist near the base of the snowpack in much of the region. Avalanche activity was recently noted on Curtain Glacier in the Spearhead Range, although it is unclear if the avalanches released on this basal instability. This layer is largely dormant at the moment but appears to be most likely a problem on the eastern side of the region, in alpine terrain, and where there is relatively smooth ground (e.g., glaciers, scree slopes, rock slabs).

• Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.
• Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet
• Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.