Avalanche Forecast

Moderate - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain

The weather models are having a pretty tough time getting a handle on the current weather pattern and even the professional meteorologists are pulling out their hair. The freezing levels are thought to be fairly accurate, but the wind and precipitation values should be taken as a suggestion at best.FRIDAY NIGHT: Moderate southwest wind, freezing level beginning at 2000 m lowering to around 1500 m, 1 to 5 cm of snow possible at upper elevation.SATURDAY: Overcast, freezing level around 1500 m, moderate to strong west/southwest wind, trace of snow.SUNDAY: Broken cloud cover, freezing level rising to 2000 m, moderate to strong southwest wind, 1 to 5 cm of snow possible at upper elevations.MONDAY: Scattered cloud cover, freezing level holding around 2000 m, strong west wind, trace of snow possible at upper elevations.

Loose wet avalanches to size 1 were reported from steep alpine features on Thursday.

Wet flurries and rain have sprinkled a spring snowpack, and it looks like that trend will continue into the weekend. During the heat of the day and especially under direct sun, the snowpack has become moist or wet except for sheltered north-facing alpine areas. With spring conditions, the avalanche hazard will fluctuate greatly depending on the strength of the overnight freeze and how quickly the snowpack is warmed up each day.Steep, north facing alpine terrain may still hold a cold, dry snowpack where a well settled slab sits over weak facets (sugary snow). Human triggering of persistent slabs on this layer may still be possible, especially in rocky alpine terrain with a shallow or highly variable depth snowpack.