Avalanche Forecast

A couple of large cornice failures have been observed, occurring over the past few days. Both took place in high alpine areas in north-facing terrain. Interestingly, neither of these failures propagated any weak layers on the slopes below.

Despite the low danger rating, the likelihood of triggering an avalanche will increase throughout the day with warming and strong solar radiation expected.

A widespread melt-freeze crust is likely found on the surface in all but north-facing alpine terrain. The crust will weaken and transition to wet snow with daytime warming and solar radiation.

Wind-affected dry snow may persist in north-facing, high alpine terrain.

Friday Night

Clear. 10 to 30 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 1400 m.

Saturday

Sunny. 20 to 40 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +1 °C. Freezing level 2200 m.

Sunday

Cloudy with 0 to 5 cm of snow at higher elevations. Freezing level 1700 m. 30 to 50 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C.

Monday

Cloudy with 0 to 2 cm of snow at higher elevations. Freezing level 1700 m. 10 to 30 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Be alert to conditions that change with elevation and sun exposure.
• When a thick, melt-freeze surface crust is present, avalanche activity is unlikely.
• Back off slopes as the surface becomes moist or wet with rising temperatures.
• Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.