Avalanche Forecast

Moderate

• Uncertainty is due to the limited number of field observations.
• Forecast precipitation (either snow or rain) amounts are uncertain.

A natural avalanche cycle is ongoing. Wet avalanches have been observed at lower elevations, while storm and wind slab avalanches continue above. Avalanches have been running within the storm snow, and on buried weak layers, including the early January surface hoar and late December crust.

Another 20-30 cm of storm snow is expected by Monday evening bringing storm totals to 80-100 cm. Storm snow has been redistributed by strong southerly winds, and is settling rapidly due to warm temperatures. At treeline and below snow maybe moist or wet from rain.

A layer of surface hoar is buried 40 to 70 cm deep in sheltered treeline features. Below treeline, a crust is found at this interface.

The mid and lower snowpack is well settled with no current layers of concern. Treeline snow depths throughout the region range from 150 cm to 250 cm.

Sunday Night
Cloudy. 15 to 20 mm of precipitation as snow or rain at treeline. 40-60 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 1400 m.

Monday
Mostly cloudy. 5 to 15 mm of precipitation as snow or rain at treeline. 40-60 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.

Tuesday
Mostly cloudy. 10 to 15 mm of rain at treeline. 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 1 °C. Freezing level 1700 m.

Wednesday
Mostly cloudy. 5 to 10 mm of precipitation as snow or rain at treeline. 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 1400 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Continue to make conservative terrain choices while the storm snow settles and stabilizes.
• Be aware of the potential for larger than expected storm slabs due to buried surface hoar.
• Storm slabs in motion may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.