Avalanche Forecast

A few small (size 1-1.5) wind slab avalanches continue to be triggered in the alpine by riders each day. Occasionally they are being triggered from up to 20 m away. This is likely because of the sugary facets over the crust with a wind slab on top.

If you head into the backcountry, consider posting to the mountain information network.

South through west aspects are likely stripped down to a thick crust that formed early in February. In general, the crust is strong and supportive to travel below 1900 m. Above 1900 m the crust becomes breakable and tapers out around 2400 m.

On north through east aspects you will likely find old wind slabs over this crust. Due to recent cold temperatures, weak sugary snow crystals are forming under these wind slabs, which means they may be more likely to slide on the crust.

In treeline terrain that is sheltered from the wind, 10 to 20 cm of settled snow sits above the crust.

Saturday Night

Clear skies. 20 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 1000m.

Sunday

Mostly clear skies. 0 to 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around -3 °C.

Monday

Partly cloudy. 10 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C. Freezing level 1000 m.

Tuesday

Cloudy. 10 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C. Freezing level 1000 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Wind slabs may be poorly bonded to the underlying crust.
• Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where even small avalanches may have severe consequences.