Elkhorns

Generally safe avalanche conditions exist as long as we continue to see freezing overnight temperatures.  Surface crusts that developed overnight will start to soften as the day progresses.   Small wet loose avalanches will be possible in the afternoon on sunny slopes.  Ridgeline cornices have become weak and could fail naturally or under the weight of a backcountry traveler.  Avoid corniced ridgelines and steep slopes where the surface snow is wet and lacks cohesion.   

This forecast is sponsored by Eagle Cap Mountain Guides

This will be our last weekend of producing avalanche forecasts.  Thanks for your support this season!  As you continue to travel in the mountains this spring, please submit relevant weather and snowpack observations and use this site as a community resource.  

It's all about timing:

The springtime mindset is all about timing.... Overnight freezing temperatures will likely have formed slick crusts on solar aspects making morning travel fast and efficient if not a bit hazardous due to slip and fall conditions.  Starting on East aspects, then moving to the South, and West in the afternoon,  warming daytime temperatures and solar input will warm the snow surface and crusts will start to break down and become prime for riding.   As you are harvesting the corn, be aware of how saturated the upper snowpack is getting.   Track the depth of saturated snow, look for fresh pinwheels and rollerballs, and consider the results of even a small wet loose avalanche in consequential terrain.   

Pockets of wind-drifted snow:

Along exposed upper-elevation terrain, wind has likely redistributed the snow that fell on Friday night.   Look for small pockets of wind-stiffened snow below cornices and on cross-loaded terrain features.   If you are finding more than 4" of new dry snow where you are traveling, carefully evaluate exposed terrain for thin but reactive small wind slabs.  

Cornices have become weak:

There are some huge looming and saggy cornices along exposed ridgelines.  Throughout the spring, they have been losing strength in the warming temperatures.  Avoid traveling near the edge of ridgelines where cornices could break further back than you might expect.  Use rocks and trees as clues to know where terra firma is, use a spotter from further along the ridgeline, and build some buffer into your estimation.  

Most cornices are near and above the treeline on the northern half of the compass, but when approaching any ridgeline regardless of aspect, look for cornice development.  

Be prepared and get into the spring mindset:   

Springtime brings dynamic weather and a smorgasbord of snow surfaces.  Be prepared for extreme weather shifts and variable snow surfaces from bulletproof crusts in the mornings to wet sloppy snow at lower elevations in the afternoon.  If you are traveling in the alpine this time of year, it is recommended to carry an ice axe, boot crampons, and ski crampons.   Practice putting these to use before you need them.  

Thanks for a great season!  

Today will be our last full avalanche forecast.  We will issue a General Forecast tomorrow......But that doesn't mean the party is over....There is lots of riding to be had this spring.    Mountain hazards will continue through the spring....and this includes avalanches.  Just because there isn't an avalanche forecast doesn't mean you can turn off your avalanche brain.   If you are on an alpine adventure or get out for a spring rip, consider submitting an observation here. 

Thanks to everyone who has supported the WAC this season.  We can't do it without our forecast sponsors, pro observers, motorized ambassadors, avalanche instructors, support staff, and most of all- the local and visiting community of people who love being in these mountains.  Thank you!  We'll see ya out there.