Avalanche Forecast

Saturday night: Cloudy, 20-30 cm of new snow above 1100 m, strong southwest wind, freezing level dropping to 1000 m in the afternoon, treeline temperatures reach -3 C.

Sunday: Mix of sun and cloud, 5-10 cm of new snow, moderate southwest wind, freezing level rising to 1000 m in the afternoon, treeline temperatures reach -2 C. 

Monday: Mostly cloudy, 10-20 cm of new snow, moderate southwest wind, freezing level rising to 800 m in the afternoon, treeline temperatures reach -5 C. 

Tuesday: Mostly cloudy, 5-10 cm of new snow, light southwest wind, freezing level rising to 800 m in the afternoon, treeline temperatures reach -5 C. 

Slab avalanches are a concern on slopes with accumulations of new snow, especially in wind-loaded terrain. No recent avalanches have been reported, but mountain travel and field observations have been very limited.

The weekend storm brought snow, rain, and strong southwest winds to the region, elevating the avalanche hazard. Snowfall amounts have proven difficult to forecast but sufficient enough to build widespread, reactive storm slabs at upper elevations. 

15-25 cm of snow from earlier in the week covers a variety of snow surfaces including crusts, warm snow, and wind-affected snow. There is some uncertainty about how well the new snow has bonded to these interfaces. The snowpack is well-settled. Snowpack depths diminish rapidly with elevation, with 300-400 cm at treeline and no snow below 700 m.

• Storm snow and wind is forming touchy slabs. Use caution in lee areas in the alpine and treeline.
• Avoid all avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind, or rain.