Avalanche Forecast

Wind slabs were reported throughout the region this week. A notable size 1.5 wind slab was remotely triggered on a convex roll at treeline. It was sitting over a previously wind scoured and facetted surface.

Loose dry avalanche activity was reported out of steep rocky slopes on Friday.

Please continue to share any observations or photos on the Mountain Information Network.

Moderate to strong southwest winds continue to redistribute new and recent snow into fresh wind slabs in exposed alpine and treeline terrain. In sheltered areas, 15 to 25 cm of soft snow can be found. A crust may be found in the upper snowpack on steep solar aspects and below 1800 m.

Although we haven't seen recent persistent slab avalanche activity on mid-snowpack layers, we're still tracking a weak layer of faceted snow or decomposing crust buried 50 to 100 cm deep.

The bottom of the snowpack is comprised of weak, sugary facets and depth hoar. It has been most problematic in the Hurley/Birkenhead and north. This layer is still a concern for step down avalanches or very large triggers such as cornice falls. It can be most easily triggered from steep and rocky start zones where the snowpack varies from thick to thin. For a how-to on sleuthing out signs of basal problems, check out this great MIN report from Eldorado Cabin.

Generally, the snowpack in this region is weak and shallow. Snowpack depths around treeline range between 150 to 250 cm.

Sunday night

Cloudy skies with isolated flurries possible. Trace accumulations. Southwest wind increasing to strong at ridgetop. Freezing level drops to valley bottom.

Monday

Up to 5 cm of new snow. Strong southwest wind. Freezing level riding to 1500 m.

Tuesday

10-20 cm of new snow over 24h. Strong southwest wind. Freezing level around 1500 m, snow line around 1000 m.

Wednesday

Sunny. Light to moderate westerly wind. Freezing level around 1000 m.

1500 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
• Be carefull around freshly wind loaded features.
• Avoid shallow, rocky areas where the snowpack transitions from thick to thin.
• Seek out sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been wind-affected.