Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Jan 21st, 2019–Jan 22nd, 2019

Alpine

Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.

Treeline

Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Alpine

Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.

Treeline

Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Regions

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The Bottom Line: A potent storm will begin early on Tuesday. Dangerous avalanche conditions may develop by the afternoon at mid and upper elevations. New and wind-drifted snow may not bond well to old snow surfaces. Monitor changing conditions throughout the day.

Snow and Avalanche Discussion

An incoming storm will bring heavy snowfall and a warming trend over the next 48 hours. Snow levels will start off near 2000ft. Expect increasing avalanche danger throughout the day Tuesday as snow accumulates. The majority of precipitation will come Tuesday night as snow levels rise to 4500ft.

Avalanche activity was minimal over the past 3 days in neighboring zones with generally few signs of unstable snow. Overall, the existing snowpack is strong. Areas near and above treeline have 80-100in of snow on the ground. Significantly less snow exists below treeline due to rain and high snow levels during the majority of storms so far this season.

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.