Avalanche Forecast

Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the timing, track, & intensity of the incoming weather system. Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain.

Friday Night: Snow, accumulation 15-30 cm. Alpine temperature -3 C. Moderate to strong southwest wind, freezing level 1600 m.

Saturday: Snow, accumulation 15-30 cm. Alpine temperature -2 C. Moderate to strong southwest wind. Freezing level 1600 m.

Sunday: Flurries, accumulation 5-10 cm. Alpine temperature -5 C. Moderate southeast wind. Freezing level dropping to 500m.

Monday: Scattered flurries, Alpine temperature -4 C. Moderate west wind. Freezing level valley bottom.

There was a report of an explosives triggered storm slab avalanche on Friday along with several skier triggered size 1 storm slab and loose wet avalanches. 

Snowfall at upper elevations has covered a previously variable and wind-affected surface and is expected to build and develop reactive storm slabs. Expect the surface snow at lower elevations to be moist due to rain.

The bottom half of the snowpack consists of crusts from November and October and basal facets. These persistent weak layers produced large avalanches over a week ago but have since gained strength. Overall, a shallow and variable snowpack is found around the region. Snowpack depths range between 50-100 cm around treeline and taper rapidly below.

• Minimize exposure during periods of heavy loading from new snow and wind.
• Avoid exposure to overhead avalanche terrain, avalanches may run surprisingly far.
• Storm slabs in motion may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.
• Use increased caution at all elevations. Storm snow is forming touchy slabs.