Avalanche Forecast

Moderate

• We are uncertain about forecast precipitation amounts.
• We are uncertain due to variable freezing levels.

No new avalanches have been reported since last Thursday, when a widespread cycle of very large avalanches occurred up to size 4. However, with precipitation and strong wind expected from Tuesday’s storm, the likelihood of renewed avalanche activity will significantly increase.

If you are heading into the backcountry, consider sharing your observations and posting a MIN.

15 to 25 cm of new snow is expected to accumulate by the end of Tuesday, accompanied by strong southwesterly winds. These conditions are set to build fresh and reactive new storm slabs.

The new snow will largely be falling on a widespread thick and hard crust that exists everywhere except the highest alpine terrain. The new storm snow may not bond well to this crust.

Older crust layers, now buried 100 to 200 cm deep, are no longer a concern, and the lower snowpack is generally strong and bonded.

Monday Night
Mostly cloudy. 0 to 3 cm of snow. 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C. Freezing level falling to 1200 m.

Tuesday
Cloudy. 15 to 25 cm of snow, possible rain below 1500 m in the afternoon. 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level rising to 1700 m.

Wednesday
Mostly cloudy. 20 to 40 cm of snow. 60 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C. Freezing level 1000 m.

Thursday
Mix of sun and clouds. 4 to 10 cm of snow. 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C. Freezing level 1100 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Storm slab size and sensitivity to triggering will likely increase through the day.
• As the storm slab problem worsens, the easy solution is to choose more conservative terrain.
• Avoid avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind, or rain.