Avalanche Forecast

Numerous explosive triggered wind slab avalanches up to size 2 were reported on Saturday.

Data in this region is limited. Please consider sharing your observations on the Mountain Information Network (MIN).

10-15 cm of new snow on Saturday and strong northwest wind formed fresh wind slabs on lee features at treeline and above.

The recent snow is sitting on a hard crust. Below this crust, a weak layer of surface hoar is present in some areas.

A second crust layer is down 40-60 cm.

Average snowpack depths at treeline are 70-130 cm. Snow depth tapers rapidly below treeline.

Christmas Eve

Partly cloudy skies, south alpine wind 30 km/h, treeline temperature -10 °C.

Christmas Day

Mostly cloudy skies, south alpine wind 40 km/h, treeline temperature -6 °C.

Tuesday

Cloudy, southwest alpine wind 30 km/h, treeline temperature -6 °C.

Wednesday

Mix of sun and cloud, south alpine wind 40 km/h, treeline temperature -6 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
• Avoid steep, rocky, and wind effected areas where triggering slabs is more likely.
• Avoid slopes that sound hollow or drum-like.
• Early season avalanches at any elevation have the potential to be particularly dangerous due to obstacles that are exposed or just below the surface.