Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Regions
South Rockies.
Observations are are very limited, so make sure to supplement this forecast with your own observations. If you've been out please post your observations to the Mountain Information Network MIN.
Confidence
Low - Due to the number of field observations
Weather Forecast
The forecast weather trend will start to stabilize as a high pressure system sets up through the forecast period. THURSDAY: Mostly cloudy with some sunny periods/ alpine temperatures near -6/ generally light winds from the West/ freezing level 1300 mFRIDAY: Cloudy with new snow 5-10 cm/ alpine temperatures near -7/ ridgetop winds light from the West/ freezing levels 1400 mSATURDAY: Mix of sun and cloud and chance of snow up to 5 cm/ alpine temperatures -12/ ridgetop winds light from the southwest/ Freezing levels near 1200 m
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches have been reported in the region. However, we currently have very limited observations. If you have been out, please submit any observations to the Mountain Information Network MIN.
Snowpack Summary
Approximately 5-10 cm of new snow possibly sits on top of a widespread layer of weak, feathery surface hoar crystals in sheltered areas. The new snow has been redistributed by recent southerly winds. A mixed layer melt-freeze crusts and sugary facets buried late October can be found at the base of the snowpack at treeline and in the alpine. Average snowpack depths at treeline are near 70 cm and taper quickly as elevation decreases. Snow depths below tree line are generally below the threshold depth to produce avalanches.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.