Avalanche Forecast

THURSDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with scattered flurries bringing up to 5 cm of new snow, moderate wind from the southwest with gusts to 60 km/h, treeline temperatures drop to -5 with freezing level around 1200 m.

FRIDAY: Mostly cloudy with some light flurries bringing trace amounts of snow, moderate wind from the southwest, treeline temperatures around -2 C with freezing level around 1700 m.

SATURDAY: Mostly cloudy with flurries starting midday brining trace amounts of snow in the afternoon, light wind from the southwest, treeline temperatures around -1 C with freezing level around 1800 m.

SUNDAY: Cloudy with flurries bringing 5 to 10 cm of snow overnight, sunny periods in the afternoon, light wind from the west, treeline temperatures around -4 C with freezing level around 1500 m.

Avalanche activity has declined since a natural cycle occurred during Tuesday's storm. The cycle involved many size 2 storm slab avalanche at upper elevations and wet loose avalanches below treeline. Storm snow was still reactive to explosives on Wednesday and Thursday, but looking forward avalanches will be most likely on wind-loaded slopes.

Recent snowfall amounts taper with elevation. There is 20 to 30 cm of heavy powder at upper elevations, while warm temperatures have left moist and crusty surfaces below roughly 1700 m. The upper snowpack contains several crust layers, and the snow is well bonded these crusts.

• Watch for wind-loaded pockets especially around ridgecrest and in extreme terrain.
• Investigate the bond of the recent snow before committing to your line.
• Be alert to conditions that change with elevation, aspect and exposure to wind.