Avalanche Forecast

On Thursday, a small (size 1) rider triggered slab avalanche was reported on a steep slope under a rock face in the alpine.

On Wednesday, a few small (size 1-1.5) rider triggered avalanches were reported on east or northeast facing slopes in the alpine.

If you head into the backcountry, consider posting to the mountain information network.

South through west aspects are likely stripped down to a thick crust that formed early in February. In general, the crust is strong and supportive to travel below 1900 m. Above 1900 m the crust becomes breakable and tapers out entirely around 2400 m.

On north through east aspects you will likely find old wind slabs over this crust. Due to recent cold temperatures, weak sugary snow crystals are forming under these wind slabs, which means they may be more likely to slide on the crust.

In treeline terrain that is sheltered from the wind, 10 to 20 cm of settled snow sits above the crust.

Friday Night

Clear. No new snow expected. Light to moderate southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around -5 °C.

Saturday

Sunny. No new snow expected. Light to moderate southeast ridgetop wind. Freezing level rising to around 1000 m. Treeline temperature around -3°C.

Sunday

Mostly cloudy. No new snow expected. Light to moderate south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around -5 °C.

Monday

Mostly cloudy. No new snow expected. Light south ridgetop wind. Freezing level rising as high as 1500 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Wind slabs may be poorly bonded to the underlying crust.
• Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where even small avalanches may have severe consequences.
• When a thick, melt-freeze surface crust is present, avalanche activity is unlikely.