Use this page to view archived advisories. The table below shows the overall danger rating and the bottom line for the 20 most recent advisories. Click on the time and date link above each danger rating icon to view the full advisory for that day. Use the date chooser or the pager at the bottom to scroll through the older advisories.
Date the forecast was published: | Bottom Line | |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2015-03-28 |
March 28, 2015 at 6:58 Avalanche danger should remain LOW for all elevations and aspects today. Some small loose wet snow instabilities could still occur on some steep slopes today on any aspect where snow cover still exists. While these loose wet snow instabilities should remain minor inconveniences in most places, they could become more problematic near terrain traps (like cliffs) where the terrain can magnify the consequences of any size avalanche. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2015-03-29 |
March 29, 2015 at 6:42 Avalanche danger should remain LOW for all elevations and aspects again today. Some small loose wet snow instabilities could still occur on some steep slopes today on any aspect where snow cover still exists. Sunny E aspects represent the most likely places to find wet snow. While loose wet snow instabilities should remain minor inconveniences in most places, they could become more problematic near terrain traps (like cliffs) where the terrain can magnify the consequences of any size avalanche. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2015-03-30 |
March 30, 2015 at 7:00 We have stopped issuing daily avalanche advisories for the 2014-2015 season due to significantly warmer than normal temperatures and below average precipitation this winter. Avalanche advisories will resume in the fall of 2015. Avalanche activity can and most likely will continue to occur this spring as additional storm cycles impact the forecast area. Continue to monitor changing conditions and use caution when traveling in the backcountry. For general spring avalanche information please read the full spring avalanche statement. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2015-09-15 |
September 15, 2015 at 12:48 Starting to get excited about the upcoming winter? Fuel the excitement with some high quality avalanche education either free online or in person at the California Avalanche Workshop. There is something of interest for everyone, regardless of the degree of prior knowledge. See the advisory page for more details. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2015-10-31 |
October 31, 2015 at 8:51 General Fall Avalanche Statement Snowfall has returned to the high country. Here are some things to think about if you choose to make an early season foray into or below snow covered avalanche terrain. Daily avalanche advisories will resume in either November or December as conditions dictate. Until that time, occasional updates to this page will occur as conditions warrant. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2015-11-09 |
November 9, 2015 at 13:59 Early Season Conditions Update #1 While overall snow depth remains shallow, wind slabs and basal facets are starting to show themselves as potential problems. At this point, early season forays into or below snow covered avalanche terrain without deliberate, educated snowpack assessment and companion rescue equipment is foolhardy. Daily avalanche advisories will resume once the snowpack becomes deep enough for over snow travel in widespread areas. Until that time, occasional updates to this page will occur as conditions warrant. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2015-11-14 |
November 14, 2015 at 6:59 Avalanche danger is LOW for all elevations and aspects. The possibility of lingering wind slabs remains in near and above treeline terrain. Shallow snow cover and rocks remain a significant hazard. On Sunday, a significant increase in avalanche danger is expected to occur as new snow accumulates across the forecast area. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2015-11-15 |
November 15, 2015 at 7:01 Early this morning, avalanche danger remains LOW for all elevations and aspects. Following the onset of snowfall, avalanche danger is expected to increase to CONSIDERABLE during the afternoon hours. Wind slabs and storms slabs are expected as the main avalanche problems. Especially in areas that held snowcover prior to today's snowfall, natural and human triggered avalanches will be possible on slopes 35 degrees and steeper. The areas of greatest instability area expected near and above treeline on NW-N-NE-E aspects. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2015-11-16 |
November 16, 2015 at 6:41 MODERATE avalanche danger exists today in the majority of areas on slopes 35 degrees and steeper. Wind slabs are a problem on all aspects in near and above treeline areas. Storm slabs remain a problem on NW-N-NE aspects both near and below treeline. Natural avalanches are unlikely. Human triggered avalanches remain possible. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2015-11-17 |
November 17, 2015 at 6:31 Pockets of MODERATE avalanche danger exist above treeline on all aspects on slopes 35 degrees and steeper due to lingering wind slabs. Near treeline and below treeline avalanche danger is LOW on all aspects. Isolated areas of unstable wind slab may remain near treeline, especially in complex terrain. LOW danger means that human triggered avalanches have become unlikely and areas of instability are isolated, not that avalanches will not occur. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2015-11-18 |
November 18, 2015 at 6:50 LOW avalanche danger exists on on all aspects and elevations. LOW danger means that avalanches are unlikely, not impossible. Some unstable snow may still exist on isolated terrain features especially in complex or extreme terrain where the recent N-NE winds did not scour away previous wind slabs. Continue to use caution when travelling in the backcountry. It early season and numerous exposed or barely covered season-ending obstacles exist. While the avalanche danger has decreased, these hazards remain. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2015-11-19 |
November 19, 2015 at 6:51 The avalanche danger remains LOW on on all aspects and elevations. While avalanches have become unlikely, they are not impossible. Small avalanches can still occur in isolated areas or extreme terrain during LOW danger. Continue to use caution and watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features when traveling in the backcountry. It early season and numerous exposed or barely covered season-ending obstacles exist. While the avalanche danger has decreased, these hazards remain. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2015-11-20 |
November 20, 2015 at 6:24 The avalanche danger remains LOW on on all aspects and elevations. While avalanches have become unlikely, they are not impossible. Small avalanches can still occur in isolated areas or extreme terrain during LOW danger. Continue to use caution and watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features when traveling in the backcountry. It early season and numerous hard immovable objects remain exposed or just barely covered. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2015-11-21 |
November 21, 2015 at 6:56 Avalanche danger remains LOW for all elevations and aspects. Triggering is unlikely but certainly not impossible given the current snowpack layering. Per the definition of LOW danger from the North American avalanche danger scale, small avalanches may still occur in isolated areas or extreme terrain during LOW danger. Use caution and watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features when traveling in the backcountry. Shallow snow cover over rocks, stumps,and logs remains a significant hazard. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2015-11-22 |
November 22, 2015 at 6:54 Avalanche danger remains LOW for all elevations and aspects. Small isolated pockets of instability may linger in complex or extreme terrain. Normal caution such as one at a time travel and avoiding grouping up while in or below avalanche terrain is advised. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2015-11-23 |
November 23, 2015 at 6:55 Avalanche danger remains LOW for all elevations and aspects. Normal caution is advised. Expect increased avalanche danger Tuesday/Wednesday as a well advertised storm impacts the region. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2015-11-24 |
November 24, 2015 at 7:00 The avalanche danger will increase to CONSIDERABLE on near and above treeline NW-N-NE-E-SE aspects 35 degrees and steeper by this afternoon and evening. Human triggered avalanches will become likely as new wind slabs will form on these slopes. MODERATE avalanche danger will form on the remaining aspects and elevations where avalanches could take the form of loose dry instabilities or isolated storm slabs by later this afternoon. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2015-11-25 |
November 25, 2015 at 7:00 Human triggered avalanches remain likely today. CONSIDERABLE avalanche danger exists on near and above treeline NW-N-NE-E-SE aspects 35 degrees and steeper with MODERATE avalanche danger on the other aspects and elevations. Newly formed wind slabs on the wind loaded NW-N-NE-E-SE aspects in near and above treeline terrain represent the primary avalanche concern today but loose dry instabilities and isolated storm slabs may also exist in non wind loaded areas. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2015-11-26 |
November 26, 2015 at 6:51 MODERATE avalanche danger exists on all aspects and elevations on slopes 35 degrees and steeper. Wind slabs represent the primary avalanche concern on near and above treeline slopes with loose dry sluffs posing more of an issue in sheltered terrain. Human triggered avalanches remain possible today. Evaluate the snow and terrain carefully before committing to a slope instead of letting the excitement of early season snow lead to poor decision making. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2015-11-27 |
November 27, 2015 at 6:48 MODERATE avalanche danger exists on all aspects in near and above treeline terrain on slopes 35 degrees and steeper due to presence of old hard wind slabs and smaller newly formed wind slabs. Human triggered avalanches remain possible today. Loose dry sluffs may remain possible on steep, sheltered, lower-elevation slopes as well. Evaluate the snow and terrain carefully before committing to a slope instead of letting the excitement of early season snow lead to poor decision making. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2015-11-28 |
November 28, 2015 at 6:45 LOW avalanche danger exists for all elevations and aspects. Small avalanches in isolated areas are quite possible given the current snowpack structure. Triggering is unlikely, but far from impossible. This fits the definition of LOW avalanche danger. It is a myth that LOW danger equals no danger. Exercise best practice backcountry travel techniques and manage terrain wisely. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2015-11-29 |
November 29, 2015 at 6:54 LOW avalanche danger continues for all elevations and aspects. The potential exists for the unlikely triggering of small avalanches in isolated areas. Continue to use accepted best practice travel techniques while traveling in or below avalanche terrain. Keep exposure limited to one person at a time and avoid grouping in avalanche run out zones. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2015-11-30 |
November 30, 2015 at 6:45 LOW avalanche danger continues for all elevations and aspects. The potential exists for the unlikely triggering of small avalanches in isolated areas. Continue to use accepted best practice travel techniques while traveling in or below avalanche terrain. Keep exposure limited to one person at a time and avoid grouping in avalanche run out zones. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2015-12-01 |
December 1, 2015 at 6:55 LOW avalanche danger continues for all elevations and aspects. The potential exists for the unlikely triggering of small avalanches in isolated areas. Continue to use accepted best practice travel techniques while traveling in or below avalanche terrain. It is still early season and the snowpack is relatively shallow. Numerous barely covered rocks, stumps, logs, and other hazards exist. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2015-12-02 |
December 2, 2015 at 7:01 The avalanche danger remains LOW on all aspects and elevations. Avalanches remain unlikely but not impossible. Some unstable snow could still exist on isolated terrain features due to the presence of lingering persistent weak layers. The shallow snowpack means that numerous rocks, stumps, logs and other hazards remain exposed or barely covered. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2015-12-03 |
December 3, 2015 at 6:55 LOW avalanche danger will persist on all aspects and elevations during the day today. Some unstable snow could still exist on isolated terrain features due to the presence of lingering persistent weak layers. The avalanche danger will increase quickly tonight and rise to CONSIDERABLE as new wind slabs and some small storm slabs form overnight. These avalanche problems mean that careful snowpack evaluation, cautious route-finding and conservative decision-making will be essential tomorrow (and tonight). |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2015-12-04 |
December 4, 2015 at 7:00 MODERATE avalanche danger exists on NW-N-NE-E-SE aspects steeper than 35 degrees in near and above treeline terrain due to new wind slabs. Some isolated pockets of MODERATE danger may exist on NW-N-NE aspects steeper than 35 degrees at all elevations north of Emerald Bay due to storm slabs forming above a lingering persistent weak layer. Evaluate the snow and terrain carefully before committing to a slope instead of letting the excitement of early season snow lead to poor decision making. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2015-12-05 |
December 5, 2015 at 6:53 Avalanche danger is LOW for all elevations and aspects. Small isolated pockets of instability may linger both above and below treeline due to recently formed wind slabs and storm slabs. Normal caution is advised. Travel one at a time while in or below avalanche terrain. Avoid grouping up in marginal islands of safely or in avalanche run out zones. Maintain situational awareness and recognize the boundaries of avalanche terrain while on the fly. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2015-12-06 |
December 6, 2015 at 6:59 LOW avalanche danger continues for all elevations and aspects. Small isolated pockets of unstable snow may exist. Normal caution is advised. It is still early season with generally shallow snow coverage and numerous poorly covered obstacles to hit. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2015-12-07 |
December 7, 2015 at 6:41 LOW avalanche danger continues for all elevations and aspects. Small isolated pockets of unstable snow may exist. Normal caution is advised. It is still early season with generally shallow snow coverage and numerous poorly covered obstacles to hit. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2015-12-08 |
December 8, 2015 at 6:57 Avalanche danger remains low for all aspects and elevations. Normal caution is advised. Watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features. Early season conditions exist with low snow coverage and many obstacles present. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2015-12-09 |
December 9, 2015 at 7:00 Low avalanche danger remains on all aspects and elevations. Watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features. Early season snowpack conditions exist with the potential to collide with many obstacles. The avalanche danger will rise as the storm system arrives late tonight and throughout Thursday. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2015-12-10 |
December 10, 2015 at 7:00 CONSIDERABLE avalanche danger exists on slopes steeper than 32 degrees on NW-N-NE-E-SE aspects due to a combination of new wind slabs and persistent slabs. Dangerous avalanche conditions exist. Careful snowpack evaluation, cautious route-finding and conservative decision-making are essential. Large human triggered avalanches will be likely today and some natural avalanches will be possible. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2015-12-11 |
December 11, 2015 at 6:58 CONSIDERABLE avalanche danger exists on slopes steeper than 32 degrees on NW-N-NE-E-SE aspects in near and above treeline terrain. MODERATE avalanche danger exists on these aspects in below treeline terrain. Wind slabs will exist on wind loaded slopes, and persistent slabs may exist on sheltered northerly aspects toady. Careful snowpack evaluation, cautious route-finding, and conservative decision-making are essential. Human triggered avalanches will be likely today. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2015-12-12 |
December 12, 2015 at 6:54 MODERATE avalanche danger exists on slopes steeper than 32 degrees on NW-N-NE-E-SE aspects in near and above treeline terrain and on NW-N-NE aspects in below treeline terrain. Wind slabs will linger on wind loaded slopes, and the potential for persistent slabs still remains on some sheltered northerly aspects today. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully, and identify features of concern before committing to a slope. While avalanches will be more difficult to trigger today, human triggered avalanches will remain possible. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2015-12-13 |
December 13, 2015 at 7:05 CONSIDERABLE avalanche danger will form today above and below treeline on NW-N-NE-E-SE aspects on slopes 32 degrees and steeper. MODERATE avalanche danger for all other areas. Wind slabs and persistent slabs are todays avalanche problems. Significant uncertainty surrounds the potential for buried surface hoar below treeline on NW-N-NE aspects. Where surface hoar is buried, avalanche danger may exceed the regional rating of CONSIDERABLE and avalanche activity may occur on low angle slopes down to 25 degrees. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2015-12-14 |
December 14, 2015 at 6:56 MODERATE avalanche danger exists on slopes 32 degrees and steeper above treeline on all aspects, near treeline on NW-N-NE aspects, and below treeline NW-N-NE aspects. For other areas LOW avalanche danger exists. Today's avalanche problems are a combination of persistent slabs and wind slabs. Natural avalanches are unlikely today. Human triggered avalanches are possible and to a significant degree expected today near treeline and below treeline on NW-N-NE aspects where areas of buried surface hoar have not yet collapsed. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2015-12-15 |
December 15, 2015 at 6:58 Pockets of Moderate avalanche danger exist on all aspects above treeline and on NW-N-NE aspects near treeline and below treeline. Low danger exists for all other areas. Avalanche problems for today consist of wind slabs and persistent slabs. In isolated areas, human triggered avalanches are possible today. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully, identify features of concern. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2015-12-16 |
December 16, 2015 at 7:00 Isolated pockets of moderate avalanche danger will exist throughout the forecast area today. Wind slabs and persistent slabs remain a lingering concern on all aspects above treeline and NW-N-NE aspects near treeline and below treeline. Low danger exists for all other areas. Human triggered avalanches will remain possible in isolated terrain. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully and use proper travel techniques to help mitigate risk. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2015-12-17 |
December 17, 2015 at 7:00 The avalanche danger has decreased to LOW for all elevations and aspects. LOW avalanche danger means that while avalanche activity may be unlikely, it is not impossible. Unstable snow in the form of small isolated wind slabs or persistent slabs could still exist on isolated terrain features especially in complex or extreme terrain. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2015-12-18 |
December 18, 2015 at 6:57 The avalanche danger will remain LOW for all elevations and aspects today. LOW avalanche danger means that while avalanche activity may be unlikely, it is not impossible. Unstable snow in the form of small isolated persistent slabs could still exist on isolated terrain features especially in complex or extreme terrain or on pockets of sheltered NW-N-NE aspects. The avalanche danger will increase tonight and tomorrow as another winter storm impacts the region. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2015-12-19 |
December 19, 2015 at 7:00 MODERATE avalanche danger exists at all elevations on NW-N-NE aspects and in near and above treeline terrain on E-SE aspects on slopes 32 degrees and steeper due to the combination of wind slabs and persistent slabs. Where persistent slabs exist avalanches could occur on lower angle slopes as shallow as 25 degrees. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully before committing to a slope. If more snow falls than forecast, the avalanche danger could increase. Human triggered avalanches are possible today. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2015-12-20 |
December 20, 2015 at 6:56 MODERATE avalanche danger exists both near treeline and above treeline on NW-N-NE-E-SE aspects on slopes 35 degrees and steeper due to ongoing wind slab development. For all other areas, LOW avalanche danger exists. Persistent slab avalanches are unlikely but not impossible in open areas below treeline and near treeline on NW-N-NE aspects. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2015-12-21 |
December 21, 2015 at 7:00 Increasing avalanche danger will occur throughout the day today and tonight. CONSIDERABLE avalanche danger will exist today both near and above treeline on NW-N-NE-E-SE aspects as well as below treeline on NW-N-NE aspects on slopes 32 degrees and steeper. For all other areas, MODERATE avalanche danger exists. HIGH avalanche danger is expected to form tonight and last into the pre dawn hours tomorrow. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2015-12-22 |
December 22, 2015 at 7:01 Avalanche danger is considerable on NW-N-NE-E-SE aspects at all elevations on slopes steeper than 32 degrees. Moderate avalanche danger exists on S-SW-W aspects at all elevations. Natural avalanches are possible and human triggered avalanches are likely due to winds slabs, storm slabs and persistent slabs. We have received 2 to 3' of wet, dense, heavy snow over the last 24 hours. Dangerous avalanche conditions exist. Careful snowpack evaluation, cautious route finding, and conservative decision making are essential today. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2015-12-23 |
December 23, 2015 at 7:02 Avalanche danger is moderate on all aspects and elevations on slopes steeper than 35 degrees due to wind slabs and deep persistent slabs. Our snowpack has doubled in size in most areas with a heavy, wet, dense layer of new snow. Human triggered avalanches are possible today with large destructive avalanches possible in some areas. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2015-12-24 |
December 24, 2015 at 7:01 Human triggered avalanches will become likely today and natural avalanches will become possible as a winter storm impacts the forecast area. On slopes 35 degrees and steeper, CONSIDERABLE avalanche danger will form on NW-N-NE-E-SE aspects in near and above treeline terrain with MODERATE danger in all other areas. Wind slabs and loose dry avalanches represent the main avalanche problems today with deep slabs on NW-N-NE aspects representing a third unlikely but not impossible problem. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2015-12-25 |
December 25, 2015 at 7:01 Human triggered avalanches will remain possible today on slopes 35 degrees and steeper at all elevations on NW-N-NE-E-SE aspects and in above treeline terrain on all aspects. Wind slabs, loose dry avalanches, and some isolated storm slabs represent the main avalanche problems today with deep slabs on NW-N-NE aspects representing a very unlikely but not impossible problem. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully before committing to a slope. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2015-12-26 |
December 26, 2015 at 7:00 Human triggered avalanches will remain possible today on slopes 35 degrees and steeper on all aspects above treeline and on NW-N-NE-E-SE aspects and in near treeline terrain. MODERATE avalanche danger exists in those areas. Shifting winds mean that wind slabs could exist in any of these areas. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully before committing to a slope. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2015-12-27 |
December 27, 2015 at 6:50 MODERATE avalanche danger continues above treeline on all aspects and near treeline on NW-N-NE-E-SE-S aspects on slopes 35 degrees and steeper. For all other areas expect LOW avalanche danger. Wind slabs remain an ongoing problem with two small human triggered wind slab avalanches reported yesterday. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2015-12-28 |
December 28, 2015 at 6:42 LOW avalanche danger exists for all elevations and aspects. Isolated areas of instability may exist. Normal caution is advised. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2015-12-29 |
December 29, 2015 at 6:41 Avalanche danger is low for all aspects and elevations. Watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features. Normal caution is advised today-use basic travel techniques to minimize risk. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2015-12-30 |
December 30, 2015 at 6:59 Avalanche danger remains low on all aspects and elevations. Changing wind directions over the last several days have redistributed snow near and above treeline. Watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features. Normal caution is advised. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2015-12-31 |
December 31, 2015 at 6:53 This advisory will cover Dec. 31 and Jan. 1. The next update to the avalanche advisory will occur on Jan. 2 at 7:00 am. The avalanche danger remains low on all aspects and elevations. While avalanches remain unlikely, some unstable snow could linger on isolated terrain features. Continue to use normal caution when traveling in the backcountry. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2016-01-02 |
January 2, 2016 at 7:00 The avalanche danger remains LOW on all aspects and elevations. While avalanches remain unlikely, some unstable snow could linger on isolated terrain features. Small isolated avalanches can still have consequences depending on the terrain where they occur. Continue to use normal caution when traveling in the backcountry. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2016-01-03 |
January 3, 2016 at 6:56 LOW avalanche danger continues for all elevations and aspects. Small wind slabs are a lingering issue today near and above treeline on NW-N-NE aspects. These wind slabs might remain sensitive to human triggering in isolated areas. Avalanche size is expected to remain too small to bury a person unless highly defined terrain traps are involved. Normal caution is advised. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2016-01-04 |
January 4, 2016 at 6:56 For most of today, LOW avalanche danger is expected to continue for all elevations and aspects. Minor wind slabs not large enough to bury or injure a person remain an issue near and above treeline on NW-N-NE aspects. As additional snowfall accumulates, wind slab size will increase and avalanche danger is expected to increase to MODERATE danger sometime late today or tonight with a further increase in avalanche danger expected during the day tomorrow. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2016-01-05 |
January 5, 2016 at 6:54 Avalanche danger will rise to considerable today on slopes 32 degrees and steeper on all aspects and elevations due to wind slabs and storm slabs. Natural avalanches are possible and human triggered avalanches will be likely today. Areas of greatest danger will be along the Sierra Crest and South of Hwy. 50. For other areas avalanche danger will range from Moderate to Considerable. Dangerous avalanche conditions exist, cautious route finding and conservative decision making will be essential today. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2016-01-06 |
January 6, 2016 at 7:03 Considerable avalanche danger exists on all aspects and elevations today on slopes steeper than 32 degrees. Wind slabs and storm slabs have been forming since yesterday and will continue to grow in size and sensitivity. Storm slabs have shown the possibility for remote triggering and propagation across long distances. Natural avalanches are possible and human triggered avalanches are likely today. Dangerous avalanche conditions exist, cautious route finding and conservative decision making are essential today. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2016-01-07 |
January 7, 2016 at 7:02 Human triggered avalanches remain possible today due to lingering wind slabs and storm slabs. MODERATE avalanche danger exists on all elevations and aspects on slopes 35 degrees and steeper. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully before committing to any slopes. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2016-01-08 |
January 8, 2016 at 7:00 Human triggered avalanches remain possible today due to lingering wind slabs and storm slabs. MODERATE avalanche danger exists on all elevations on NW-N-NE-E-SE aspects on slopes 35 degrees and steeper. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully before committing to any slopes. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2016-01-09 |
January 9, 2016 at 7:00 Human triggered avalanches remain possible today due to new wind slabs and old and new persistent slabs. Persistent slabs exist on open slopes in near and below treeline terrain on W-NW-N-NE-E aspects. Wind slabs will exist on wind loaded NW-N-NE-E-SE aspects in near and above treeline terrain. MODERATE avalanche danger exists in those areas on slopes 32 degrees and steeper. Remotely triggered avalanches and avalanches that propagate long distances are possible today especially in near and below treeline terrain. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2016-01-10 |
January 10, 2016 at 6:59 Unusual avalanche conditions exist with pockets of MODERATE avalanche danger in open areas at and below treeline on N-NE-E-SE aspects on slopes 35 degrees and steeper. This is due to persistent slabs associated with the Jan 5 buried surface hoar layer. For all other areas, LOW avalanche danger exists. Avoid steep terrain adjacent to areas of recent avalanche activity, even if the crown and debis are covered under a couple inches of new snow and now look old. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2016-01-11 |
January 11, 2016 at 6:57 Unusual avalanche conditions persist with pockets of MODERATE avalanche danger in open areas at and below treeline on N-NE-E-SE aspects on slopes 35 degrees and steeper. Persistent slabs associated with the Jan 5 buried surface hoar layer exist in some areas. Where this weak layer is absent, LOW avalanche danger exists. Avoid steep terrain adjacent to areas of recent avalanche activity, even if the crown and debris are covered under a couple inches of new snow and now look old. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2016-01-12 |
January 12, 2016 at 6:52 Pockets of Moderate avalanche danger exists on N-NE-E-SE aspects near treeline and below treeline due to the Jan 5 buried surface hoar layer. Persistant slabs are possible today in terrain where this weak layer occurs. In areas where this weak layer is absent, Low avalanche danger exists. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully, identify features of concern.
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2016-01-13 |
January 13, 2016 at 6:59 Considerable avalanche danger exists on NW-N-NE-E-SE aspects at all elevations due to persistent slabs and newly forming wind slabs. On S-SW-W aspects at all elevations Moderate avalanche danger exists. Careful snowpack evaluation, cautious route finding and conservative decision making are essential today. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2016-01-14 |
January 14, 2016 at 7:02 On slopes steeper than 32 degrees, CONSIDERABLE avalanche danger still persists on NW-N-NE-E-SE aspects in near and above treeline terrain due to a combination of wind slabs and persistent slabs. Even though the window for natural avalanches may have passed, human triggered avalanches remain likely. Unusual avalanche conditions exist. Avalanches on steeper slopes could be remotely triggered by a person standing in lower angle terrain. Careful snowpack evaluation, cautious route finding and conservative decision making are essential. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2016-01-15 |
January 15, 2016 at 7:00 On slopes steeper than 30 degrees, CONSIDERABLE avalanche danger exists on NW-N-NE-E-SE aspects at all elevations due to a combination of wind slabs and persistent slabs. Large human triggered avalanches are likely and natural avalanches are possible. Unusual avalanche conditions exist. Avalanches on steeper slopes could be remotely triggered by a person standing in lower angle terrain or may be triggered in places traditionally considered safe. Careful snowpack evaluation, cautious route finding and conservative decision making are essential. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2016-01-16 |
January 16, 2016 at 7:11 On slopes steeper than 32 degrees, MODERATE avalanche danger exists on NW-N-NE-E-SE aspects at all elevations due to lingering persistent slabs and wind slabs sitting on persistent weak layers. Large human triggered avalanches remain possible today. Unusual avalanche conditions exist. Avalanches on steeper slopes could be remotely triggered by a person standing in lower angle terrain or may be triggered in places traditionally considered safe. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully; identify features of concern. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2016-01-17 |
January 17, 2016 at 7:01 MODERATE avalanche danger continues at all elevations on NW-N-NE-E-SE aspects on slopes 32 degrees and steeper due to a combination of persistent slabs and storm slabs. Human triggered avalanches remain a near daily occurrence within the forecast area. Identify the necessary differences between managing wind slab and persistent slab avalanche problems and adjust terrain selection and travel practices accordingly. Increasing avalanche danger is expected tonight into tomorrow morning. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2016-01-18 |
January 18, 2016 at 7:02 CONSIDERABLE avalanche danger exists today both above treeline on NW-N-NE-E-SE aspects and near and below treeline on N-NE-E aspects on slopes 32 degrees and steeper due to a combination of wind slabs, storm slabs, and persistent slabs. For all other areas avalanche danger is MODERATE. Natural avalanche activity is possible during the morning hours. Human triggered avalanches will remain possible to likely all day. In some cases, avalanches could be large and destructive. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2016-01-19 |
January 19, 2016 at 6:58 Moderate avalanche danger exists on all aspects and elevations through the morning hours. As the incoming storm intensifies by mid day, avalanche danger will rise to considerable. Wind slabs will develop on NW-N-NE-E-SE aspects near and above treeline and persistent slabs will be possible on N-NE-E aspects near treeline and below treeline on slopes 32 degrees or steeper. Natural avalanche activity will become possible this afternoon with human triggered avalanche activity possible to likely all day. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2016-01-20 |
January 20, 2016 at 6:54 Moderate avalanche danger exists on NW-N-NE-E-SE aspects, on slopes steeper than 32 degrees, at all elevations, due to wind slabs and persistent slabs. On S-SW-W aspects at all elevations, low avalanche danger exists. Human triggered avalanches are possible today. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully, identify features of concern. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2016-01-21 |
January 21, 2016 at 7:00 Even though avalanches have become more difficult to trigger, human triggered avalanches remain possible on some NW-N-NE-E-SE aspects at all elevations due to lingering persistent slabs and wind slabs. The persistent slabs could occur on slopes steeper than 32 degrees, while the wind slabs would be more problematic on slopes steeper than 35 degrees. The avalanche danger is MODERATE today, but the consequences of a human triggered avalanche would be serious. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully; identify features of concern. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2016-01-22 |
January 22, 2016 at 6:57 Despite becoming increasingly difficult to trigger, human triggered avalanches remain possible on some W-NW-N-NE-E-SE aspects at all elevations on slopes steeper than 32 degrees due to persistent slabs and old wind slabs. The avalanche danger is MODERATE today, but it will quickly increase to CONSIDERABLE due to added weight on the persistent slabs and new wind slabs resulting from more snow and wind impacting the region tonight and tomorrow. Some natural avalanche activity may start to occur during the night. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2016-01-23 |
January 23, 2016 at 6:59 Human triggered avalanches are likely today on NW-N-NE-E aspects and some W and SE aspects at all elevations on slopes steeper than 32 degrees due to newly formed wind slabs and the possibility of deep persistent slabs. The avalanche danger is CONSIDERABLE today. Today's avalanches could be large and have severe consequences and may occur in areas traditionally considered safe especially in the case of the deep persistent slabs. Careful snowpack evaluation, cautious route-finding and conservative decision-making are essential. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2016-01-24 |
January 24, 2016 at 6:59 Areas of MODERATE avalanche danger remain near and above treeline on NW-N-NE-E-SE aspects on slopes 35 degrees and steeper due to recently formed wind slabs. Below treeline, there is LOW avalanche danger with pockets of MODERATE avalanche danger in open areas below treeline and near treeline on N-NE-E aspects on slopes 32 degrees and steeper due to deep persistent slabs. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2016-01-25 |
January 25, 2016 at 6:56 MODERATE avalanche danger is expected today above treeline on SE-S-SW-W-NW aspects on slopes 35 degrees and steeper in areas where new wind slabs form this morning. For all other areas, LOW avalanche danger exists. Normal caution is advised. Very isolated deep persistent slab avalanches are unlikely but not impossible in open near treeline and below treeline areas on N-NE-E aspects on slopes 32 degrees and steeper. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2016-01-26 |
January 26, 2016 at 6:58 Avalanche danger is low on all aspects and elevations. Watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features. Normal caution is advised. Small isolated wind slabs could form on SE-S-SW-W-NW aspects above treeline. Very isolated deep slab avalanches are unlikely but not impossible on N-NE-E aspects near treeline and below treeline. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2016-01-27 |
January 27, 2016 at 6:40 Avalanche danger remains low on all aspects and elevations. Isolated areas of instability may exist. Normal caution is advised. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2016-01-28 |
January 28, 2016 at 7:00 LOW avalanche danger exists on all elevations and aspects today. Some unstable snow could exist on isolated terrain features. As the next storm impacts the region tonight and tomorrow expect the avalanche danger to increase quickly. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2016-01-29 |
January 29, 2016 at 6:59 CONSIDERABLE avalanche danger exists on all aspects and elevations on slopes steeper than 35 degrees due to a combination of wet snow instabilities caused by rain on snow and newly formed wind slabs at the upper elevations. Human triggered loose wet avalanches and wind slab avalanches are likely today and some isolated wet slab avalanches may be possible. People traveling in the backcountry should make careful snowpack evaluations, use cautious route-finding and conservative decision-making, and expect to get very wet. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2016-01-30 |
January 30, 2016 at 7:00 CONSIDERABLE avalanche danger exists in near and above treeline terrain on NW-N-NE-E-SE aspects on slopes steeper than 35 degrees due to newly formed wind slabs. MODERATE avalanche danger exists elsewhere. The largest wind slabs will exist above 8700 ft. where more snow has accumulated. Human triggered wind slab avalanches are likely today, and some small sluffs may be possible. People traveling in the backcountry should make careful snowpack evaluations and use cautious route-finding and conservative decision-making. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2016-01-31 |
January 31, 2016 at 6:48 Upper end MODERATE avalanche danger exists today for all elevations and aspects on slopes 35 degrees and steeper due to a combination of newly formed wind slab, storm slab, and loose dry avalanche problems. Natural avalanche activity in not expected today, but isolated natural activity is certainly not out of the question. Human triggered avalanches are expected today and should not be a surprise to backcountry travelers. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2016-02-01 |
February 1, 2016 at 6:58 MODERATE avalanche danger exists for all elevations and all aspects on slopes 35 degrees and steeper. New wind slabs formed near treeline and above treeline last night under gale force NE wind conditions. In wind protected areas below treeline, loose dry avalanche activity remains likely and small storm slabs remain possible. Don't let an absence of obvious clues of instability lull your party into a sense of security today. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2016-02-02 |
February 2, 2016 at 6:55 Moderate avalanche danger exists on all aspects near treeline and above treeline due to existing wind slabs and new wind slab development due to shifting winds. Low avalanche danger exists on all aspects below treeline. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully, identify features of concern. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2016-02-03 |
February 3, 2016 at 6:54 Avalanche danger remains Moderate on NW-N-NE-E-SE aspects near and above treeline due to potential wind slab avalanche problems. S-SW-W aspects at all elevations and all aspects below treeline are rated Low avalanche danger. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully and look for areas of unstable snow. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2016-02-04 |
February 4, 2016 at 7:00 MODERATE avalanche danger may form on sun-exposed near and below treeline E-SE-S-SW-W aspects as well as on some above treeline SE-S-SW aspects due to the possibility of loose wet snow instabilities. Wet surface snow and small instabilities like pin wheels and roller balls can indicate that loose wet avalanches have become possible. The amount of warming that actually occurs today will dictate how widespread these possible wet snow instabilities may be. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2016-02-05 |
February 5, 2016 at 6:56 This morning the avalanche danger is LOW on all aspects and elevations. Some pockets of MODERATE avalanche danger may form below 9000 ft. on sun-exposed SE-S-SW aspects steeper than 35 degrees as the day warms up, and some small loose wet snow instabilities become possible. The amount of warming that actually occurs today will dictate how widespread these possible wet snow instabilities may be. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2016-02-06 |
February 6, 2016 at 6:56 LOW avalanche danger exists this morning. As the day warms up, some pockets of MODERATE danger may form on sun-exposed SE-S-SW aspects steeper than 35 degrees up to 9500 ft. due to the possibility of some small loose wet snow instabilities like pinwheels, roller-balls, and point release avalanches. Most of these loose wet snow instabilities should remain small and isolated, but a few could entrain enough snow to create issues for backcountry travelers on slopes that experience the most warming. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2016-02-07 |
February 7, 2016 at 6:50 Early this morning, LOW avalanche danger exists for all elevations and aspects. Pockets of MODERATE avalanche danger will form quickly in response to daytime warming on SE-S-SW aspects at all elevations on slopes 35 degrees and steeper. On W-NW-N-NE-E aspects, avalanche danger will remain LOW with small, isolated human triggered loose wet avalanche activity unlikely but not impossible below 8,000' on slopes 35 degrees and steeper. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2016-02-08 |
February 8, 2016 at 6:46 Early this morning, LOW avalanche danger exists for all elevations and aspects. Pockets of MODERATE avalanche danger will form quickly in response to daytime warming on E-SE-S-SW aspects at all elevations on slopes 35 degrees and steeper. On W-NW-N-NE aspects, avalanche danger will remain LOW. Isolated wind slabs may exist above treeline on S-SW-W-NW-N aspects, but are not expected to be a widespread avalanche problem today. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2016-02-09 |
February 9, 2016 at 6:58 Early this morning, low avalanche danger exists on all aspects and elevations. As daytime warming begins, pockets of moderate avalanche danger will form on E-SE-S-SW aspects at all elevations due to loose wet avalanche problems. Avalanche danger will remain low on W-NW-N-NE aspects at all elevations. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2016-02-10 |
February 10, 2016 at 6:44 Low avalanche danger will exist on all aspects and elevations in the early morning hours. As daytime warming begins, pockets of Moderate avalanche danger will become possible on E-SE-S-SW aspects at all elevations due to loose wet avalanche instabilities. On W-NW-N-NE aspects at all elevations, avalanche danger will remain Low throughout the day. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2016-02-11 |
February 11, 2016 at 6:58 This morning the avalanche danger is LOW. As the day warms up, pockets of MODERATE danger will quickly form on E-SE-S-SW aspects due to the possibility of loose wet avalanches. Some small loose wet issues may form on near and below treeline N-NE aspects in isolated or extreme terrain. Small human triggered roller balls, pinwheels, and point-releases should comprise most of the loose wet activity, but some loose wet avalanches could involve enough snow to cause problems for backcountry travelers. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2016-02-12 |
February 12, 2016 at 6:40 LOW avalanche danger exists this morning while the snowpack remains frozen. As the day warms up and last night's refreeze melts, pockets of MODERATE danger will quickly form slopes steeper than 35 degrees on E-SE-S-SW aspects due to the possibility of loose wet avalanches. Small human triggered roller balls, pinwheels, and point-releases should comprise most of the loose wet activity, but some loose wet avalanches could involve enough snow to cause problems for backcountry travelers. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2016-02-13 |
February 13, 2016 at 6:47 LOW avalanche danger is expected today for all elevations and aspects. Human triggered loose wet avalanches could still occur in isolated areas this afternoon on E-SE-S-SW aspects on slopes 37 degrees and steeper. Normal caution is advised. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2016-02-14 |
February 14, 2016 at 6:48 LOW avalanche danger continues for all elevations and aspects. Human triggered loose wet avalanches may occur this afternoon in isolated areas on E-SE-S-SW aspects on slopes 37 degrees and steeper. Normal caution is advised. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2016-02-15 |
February 15, 2016 at 6:49 LOW avalanche danger continues for all elevations and aspects. Isolated human triggered loose wet avalanches may occur this afternoon on E-SE-S-SW aspects on slopes 37 degrees and steeper. Normal caution is advised. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2016-02-16 |
February 16, 2016 at 6:33 Avalanche danger for today is Low on all aspects and elevations. In the afternoon hours, isolated human triggered loose wet avalanches could become possible on E-SE-S-SW aspects on slopes steeper than 37 degrees. Normal caution is advised. |