Two potential avalanche problems exist today that are well separated by elevation. Small "Loose-wet" avalanches will be easily triggered below treeline on very steep slopes. At elevations above 5,500' it is possible to trigger much larger avalanches on weak layers buried 2-3 feet deep. You can avoid large and dangerous avalanches by steering clear of steep and open terrain at elevations above 5,500'. For the safest riding conditions stick to slopes that are no steeper than 30 degrees.
Rain on snow will be present today at elevations below 6,000'. Small surface avalanches will be easily triggered below this elevation band as the snowpack surface has become saturated by warm temperatures and rain. Very steep terrain that funnels you into high consequence situations such as above cliffs or steep gullies should be avoided.
Weak basal stucture in the form of facets, decomposing crusts, and buried surface hoar are present 2-3 feet down in the snowpack. This avalanche problem can be found in all three mountain ranges but will be more easily triggered in the Purcell Range where the snowpack is thinner. On Monday, we experienced frequent collapses on these deeper weak layers and stability tests showed consistent failures that showed the potential to propagate across slopes. Triggering an avalanche on one of these weak layers is possible and could create a large and destructive avalanche if triggered.
Photo: Ben Bernall
