Avalanche forecast

Northwest Mountains

Crested Butte Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Another round of snow last night was accompanied by strong winds that will continue into the day today. You can trigger an avalanche where fresh slabs have formed on leeward terrain features at upper elevations. Exercise caution around drifted terrain and be aware of triggering a small avalanche in consequential areas. Sheltered slopes will offer the safest riding. 

 

 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

    Strong west-to-northwest winds formed a fresh round of wind slabs overnight, and slabs could build or expand in distribution throughout the day today with increasing northerly winds. Blowing snow or signs of recent drifting will signal that shallow wind slabs are a concern below ridges, in concave gullies, or below rollovers.   Stay alert for relatively small but sensitive drifts if you are riding in consequential terrain above cliffs, gullies, or trees.

    2/6:  A skier triggered wind slab on a leeward slope on Mt. Emmons. 

Avalanche Discussion

In the Northwest Mountains, winds have been driving the danger in an otherwise deep and relatively strong snowpack. A strong cold front blasted through the area yesterday evening with several more inches of snow and gusty winds from the west, up to 60 mph on Scarp Ridge and 50 mph at CBMR. Today, winds will gradually shift to the north and remain elevated during the day. These northerly winds will be drifting not only the recent snow but any remaining low-density snow from the previous days. Slabs will continue to build through the day and may start to form lower down on certain slopes similar to this triggered wind slab from Monday. As we continue to step out into bigger terrain, be aware of areas where a small slide may push you into rocks, over cliffs or into trees. A small avalanche in big terrain can have unwanted consequences. Sheltered terrain will offer generally safe and enjoyable riding today. 

In addition to managing for Wind Slabs in the SE Mountains, there is still an isolated chance of triggering a large avalanche that breaks deeper in the snowpack. It has been 8 days since our last major loading event, however, this recent natural avalanche observed yesterday near Star Pass serves as a reminder that weak layers at the base of the snowpack have not completely healed. This problem is becoming less likely as each day passes but slopes similar to that one will be seeing continued drifting snow today. If you are stepping out in these areas, think about the consequences of triggering a large and potentially unsurvivable slide. Choosing slopes without recent drifting and depths greater than 150cm or 5 feet, being aware of terrain traps,  and exposing only 1 person at a time to the hazard will reduce your exposure. Careful evaluation is still paramount. 

 

 

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