Avalanche Forecast

Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the limited number of field observations.

Sunday night: Decreasing cloud, isolated flurries with trace accumulations, moderate northeast winds, alpine temperature -10 C, freezing level dropping to valley bottom.

Monday: Mix of sun and cloud, light northeast winds, alpine high temperature -3 C, freezing level 1700 m.

Tuesday: Sunny, light variable winds, alpine high temperature -2 C, freezing level 2300 m. 

Wednesday: Sunny, light southwest winds, alpine high temperature -3 C, freezing level 2500 m. 

Natural wet loose avalanches, ranging from size 1-2.5, were reported over the past few days.

An upslope storm brought 5-10 cm of new snow to the region, with up to 15 cm accumulating in favored areas. Moderate northeast winds with strong ridgetop gusts have formed fresh wind slabs in exposed areas at upper elevations. Cornices are large and fragile. Cornice falls could trigger avalanches on the slopes below.

The snowpack is overall strong and settled in most areas. However, steep and rocky alpine slopes with a shallow or thin to thick snowpack may still harbor deeply buried weak layers. Glide cracks releasing as full depth glide slab avalanches become more common in the spring and are extremely difficult to predict. Best practice is to avoid slopes with glide cracks.

The snow line is slowly creeping up the mountains, making some access areas snow-free. 

• Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
• Stay off recently wind loaded slopes until they have had a chance to stabilize.
• Avoid freshly wind loaded features, especially near ridge crests, roll-overs and in steep terrain.
• Extra caution is needed around cornices under the current conditions.