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.

E.g., 11/12/2024
E.g., 11/12/2024
E.g., 11/12/2024
Date the forecast was published:sort ascending Bottom Line
Click here to see the full forecast for 2018-03-16
March 16, 2018 at 6:57

HIGH avalanche danger exists for all elevations today due to widespread wind slab and storm slab avalanche problems and a possibility of isolated deep slab problems. Any avalanches that occur today could be very large and destructive and have very serious consequences. Travel in or near avalanche terrain or in lower angle terrain below avalanche terrain is not recommended.

Click here to see the full forecast for 2018-03-15
March 15, 2018 at 7:00

MODERATE avalanche danger will exist during the day due to wind slabs formed in the last 24 hours. The avalanche danger will quickly increase as the next storm impacts the forecast area starting this afternoon. The avalanche danger should rise to HIGH tonight night as wind slab and storm slab avalanche problems become widespread. Human triggered wind slabs will become very likely and storm slabs will become likely during the night. Travel in or near avalanche terrain is not recommended.

Click here to see the full forecast for 2018-03-14
March 14, 2018 at 6:55

Considerable avalanche danger will continue due to wind slab and storm slab avalanche problems.  Wind slabs will be likely in near treeline and above treeline terrain.  Storm slabs will be likely in near treeline and below treeline terrain.  Careful snowpack evaluation, cautious route finding, and conservative decision making are essential today.

Click here to see the full forecast for 2018-03-13
March 13, 2018 at 6:55

Avalanche danger will quickly be on the rise as this winter storm intensifies and snow levels begin to drop throughout the day.   Considerable avalanche danger will exist today and throughout the night at all elevations.  Loose wet avalanches will be likely due to high elevation rain today.  Wind slab and storm slab avalanche problems will become likely this afternoon as the storm increases and snow levels drop.  Dangerous avalanche conditions will exist with human and natural triggered avalanches expected.

Click here to see the full forecast for 2018-03-12
March 12, 2018 at 6:57

Avalanche danger is LOW for all elevations. Small loose wet avalanches may occur today. Deep slab avalanches are very unlikely but not impossible on a regional scale.

Click here to see the full forecast for 2018-03-11
March 11, 2018 at 6:57

Avalanche danger remains LOW for all elevations. Avalanche activity is unlikely on a regional scale. Isolated areas of unstable snow may exist somewhere within the forecast area. Small and mostly inconsequential loose wet instability may occur today. Deep slab avalanches are very unlikely but not impossible.

Click here to see the full forecast for 2018-03-10
March 10, 2018 at 7:00

The avalanche danger will remain LOW for all elevations today since significant avalanche activity is unlikely. Unlikely does not mean impossible. Some unstable snow may still lurk on isolated terrain features somewhere in the forecast area in the form of a remotely possible but very unlikely deep slab problem or small and mostly inconsequential wet snow issues in lower elevation terrain.

Click here to see the full forecast for 2018-03-09
March 9, 2018 at 7:00

LOW avalanche danger exists at all elevations today. Triggering a deep slab has become unlikely on a regional scale. Unlikely does not mean impossible and a deep slab problem could still lurk on some isolated terrain features. Some isolated loose wet issues could occur today if the forecast area receives more sun or warmer temperatures than expected.

Click here to see the full forecast for 2018-03-08
March 8, 2018 at 6:59

Even though deep slab avalanches have become more difficult to trigger and are now unlikely in most areas, they may remain possible in some specific terrain. The consequences of such an avalanche would still be dire. Some loose wet avalanche problems may also become possible today. These issues will keep the avalanche danger at MODERATE

Click here to see the full forecast for 2018-03-07
March 7, 2018 at 6:55

Moderate avalanche danger exists today due to deep slab and loose wet avalanche problems.  Triggering a deep slab avalanche is still possible on specific terrain features throughout most of the forecast area.  Evaluate terrain carefully and identify features of concern.

Click here to see the full forecast for 2018-03-06
March 6, 2018 at 6:55

Dangerous avalanche conditions continue to exist throughout the forecast region due to a deep slab avalanche problem at all elevations.  Large destructive avalanches have occurred in our area and continue to be possible today.  Loose wet avalanches will be likely today as daytime warming occurs.  Make a plan with your group that avoids terrain and exposure to the current avalanche problems.  Cautious route finding and conservative decision making are essential.

Click here to see the full forecast for 2018-03-05
March 5, 2018 at 6:59

Avalanche danger is CONSIDERABLE for all elevations. Large destructive Deep Slab avalanches are an ongoing problem with large human triggered avalanches occurring both Saturday and Sunday. Loose wet and wind slab avalanche problems may also be encountered today. This is not typical Sierra post storm conditions. If going into the backcountry, deliberately choose terrain and plan a route that avoids exposure to the current avalanche problems. Do not underestimate potential avalanche size or likelihood of triggering.

Click here to see the full forecast for 2018-03-04
March 4, 2018 at 12:11

UPDATE @ 12:00 pm. Danger increased to CONSIDERABLE. Large, dangerous, human-triggered deep slab avalanches are possible. Some already occurred today. These avalanches can be triggered remotely and would be almost impossible to survive. Wind slab and loose wet problems may also exist. Instability may lurk within areas of seemingly stable snow. If traveling in an area where deep slabs may exist avoid this problem by staying on slopes less steep than 30 degrees that are not connected to steeper terrain.

Click here to see the full forecast for 2018-03-04
March 4, 2018 at 6:50

Avalanche danger is MODERATE for all elevations. Even though snowpack stability is improving, human triggered avalanches remain possible. Keep in mind that most recreational avalanche accidents happen during periods of MODERATE or CONSIDERABLE danger. Wind slab, deep slab, and loose wet avalanche problems may be encountered today. Areas of unstable snow will exist within greater surrounding areas of seemingly stable snow.

Click here to see the full forecast for 2018-03-03
March 3, 2018 at 6:59

CONSIDERABLE danger exists at all elevations due to likely wind and storm slabs and possible deep slabs. Most avalanche accidents happen at CONSIDERABLE or MODERATE danger. Don't let "powder fever" corrupt good judgment. Make a plan before going into the backcountry that focuses on thorough and careful terrain and snowpack evaluation. Avoiding avalanche terrain and traveling on slopes less than 30 degrees without any exposure to steeper terrain above is recommended today. Avalanches could be large and destructive.

Click here to see the full forecast for 2018-03-02
March 2, 2018 at 7:30

CONSIDERABLE avalanche danger exists at all elevations today due to likely wind slab and storm slab avalanches and possible deep slab avalanches. Another round of intense snowfall and wind impacting the region this afternoon and tonight should cause the avalanche danger to rise to HIGH in near and above treeline terrain. Most avalanche accidents happen at CONSIDERABLE or MODERATE, avoiding avalanche terrain and travelling on slopes less than 30 degrees without any exposure to steeper terrain above is recommended today.

Click here to see the full forecast for 2018-03-01
March 1, 2018 at 6:50

HIGH avalanche danger will occur today for all elevations. An avalanche warning is in effect through 7 am Friday. Travel in or below avalanche terrain is not recommended. If you choose to go out into the backcountry today, please create and closely follow a clear and detailed plan to travel only on slopes less than 30 degrees in slope angle without any exposure to steeper terrain above. Poor visibility may make navigation and terrain recognition very difficult.

Click here to see the full forecast for 2018-02-28
February 28, 2018 at 6:55

Moderate avalanche danger continues to exist in near and above treeline terrain due to a wind slab avalanche problem.  Low avalanche danger will exist in below treeline terrain.  Human triggered wind slab avalanches remain possible today.

Click here to see the full forecast for 2018-02-27
February 27, 2018 at 6:58

Moderate avalanche danger will exist throughout the forecast area at all elevations due to wind slab and storm slab avalanchesWind slabs will be possible in near and above treeline terrain and storm slabs in near and below treeline terrain.  Heightened avalanche conditions exist with human triggered avalanches possible today.

 

Click here to see the full forecast for 2018-02-26
February 26, 2018 at 6:59

As new snow accumulates today, the avalanche danger should rise to CONSIDERABLE in near and above treeline terrain and MODERATE in below treeline terrain. Expect fragile wind slabs near and above treeline and possible storm slabs in more sheltered areas near and below treeline. Human triggered avalanches will become likely today.

Click here to see the full forecast for 2018-02-25
February 25, 2018 at 6:54

MODERATE avalanche danger still exists in near and above treeline terrain due to lingering wind slabs as well as some potential new wind slabs. While these wind slabs should have become more difficult to trigger, human-triggered avalanches remain possible. 

Click here to see the full forecast for 2018-02-24
February 24, 2018 at 6:52

MODERATE avalanche danger lingers near and above treeline. LOW avalanche danger exists below treeline. Blowing snow is expected today with the possibility of a wind slab avalanche problem. Air temperatures warming to near freezing today will allow for a very slight possibility of a loose wet avalanche problem.

Click here to see the full forecast for 2018-02-23
February 23, 2018 at 6:52

MODERATE avalanche danger exists today for all elevations. Wind slab, loose dry, and storm slab avalanche problems may be encountered. Any areas of unstable snow will exist within greater surrounding areas of seemingly stable snow. Signs of instability may not readily present themselves today unless you are actively assessing for them.

Click here to see the full forecast for 2018-02-22
February 22, 2018 at 6:56

MODERATE avalanche danger will exist today in most portions of the forecast area at all elevations. CONSIDERABLE avalanche danger may develop near treeline and above treeline in any areas that receive close to or more than a foot of new snow. Wind slabs are the main avalanche problem of concern. Isolated storm slabs may form in the areas of greatest new snow accumulation. Factor in how decreasing snow stability will affect travel plans and terrain selection as the day progresses.

Click here to see the full forecast for 2018-02-21
February 21, 2018 at 6:50

Low avalanche danger will exist throughout the forecast area at all elevations today.  Watch for wind slabs in isolated near and above treeline terrain.  Avalanche danger is expected to rise tomorrow as an approaching storm brings light to moderate snowfall with increasing winds. 

 

Click here to see the full forecast for 2018-02-20
February 20, 2018 at 6:48

Moderate avalanche danger will exist in near and above treeline terrain due to a wind slab avalanche problem.  Low avalanche danger will exist in below treeline areas.  Look for unstable snow in wind loaded terrain. 

Click here to see the full forecast for 2018-02-19
February 19, 2018 at 6:58

Considerable avalanche danger will exist today in near treeline and above treeline terrain due to wind slab avalanchesModerate avalanche danger will exist in all other areas.  Natural avalanches are possible with human triggered avalanches likely.  Dangerous avalanche conditions will exist today.

Click here to see the full forecast for 2018-02-18
February 18, 2018 at 6:48

The avalanche danger will remain LOW for all elevations for most of the day. As new snow accumulates this evening and overnight the avalanche danger will increase to MODERATE in near and above treeline terrain due to newly formed wind slabs. In addition, dangerously cold temperatures with wind chills below zero could pose problems for anyone out in the backcountry tonight. 

Click here to see the full forecast for 2018-02-17
February 17, 2018 at 6:48

LOW avalanche danger continues for all elevations within the forecast area. Normal caution is advised. Avalanche danger may increase Sunday evening.

Click here to see the full forecast for 2018-02-16
February 16, 2018 at 6:48

LOW avalanche danger continues for all elevations within the forecast area. Normal caution is advised.

Click here to see the full forecast for 2018-02-15
February 15, 2018 at 6:48

Low avalanche danger exists at all elevations throughout the forecast area.  Normal caution is advised.

Click here to see the full forecast for 2018-02-14
February 14, 2018 at 6:50

Low avalanche danger will continue today throughout the forecast area at all elevations.  Normal caution is advised.

Click here to see the full forecast for 2018-02-13
February 13, 2018 at 6:57

The avalanche danger should remain LOW today on a regional scale. Some very small, shallow wind slabs may exist on a few isolated terrain features in the most heavily wind-loaded areas in near and above treeline terrain.

Click here to see the full forecast for 2018-02-12
February 12, 2018 at 6:55

The avalanche danger should remain LOW today. Despite the LOW danger rating, some very small, shallow wind slabs may lurk on isolated terrain features in near and above treeline terrain.

Click here to see the full forecast for 2018-02-11
February 11, 2018 at 6:57

The avalanche danger will remain LOW for all elevations today and avalanche activity will remain unlikely. Other hazards still exist in the backcountry. Continue to use normal caution during backcountry travel. 

Click here to see the full forecast for 2018-02-10
February 10, 2018 at 6:51

Avalanche danger is LOW for all elevations. There are no specific avalanche problems of concern. Normal caution is advised.

Click here to see the full forecast for 2018-02-09
February 9, 2018 at 6:45

LOW avalanche danger continues for all elevations. Minor loose wet instabilities may form in response to daytime warming. Normal caution is advised.

Click here to see the full forecast for 2018-02-08
February 8, 2018 at 6:48

Low avalanche danger continues throughout the forecast region at all elevations.  Small loose wet instabilities may form on isolated terrain features as daytime warming occurs.  Normal caution is advised.

Click here to see the full forecast for 2018-02-07
February 7, 2018 at 6:45

Low avalanche danger exists throughout the forecast area at all elevations.  Normal caution is advised.  As daytime warming occurs, small loose wet instabilities may form on isolated terrain features.

Click here to see the full forecast for 2018-02-06
February 6, 2018 at 6:56

The avalanche danger should remain LOW at all elevations today. Avalanche activity should remain unlikely. Some small loose wet instabilities may still form on isolated terrain features. 

Click here to see the full forecast for 2018-02-05
February 5, 2018 at 6:58

LOW avalanche danger will exist at all elevations today. Daytime warming may allow some small loose wet avalanche problems to form on some isolated sun-exposed terrain features where snow coverage exists.

Click here to see the full forecast for 2018-02-04
February 4, 2018 at 6:58

The avalanche danger will remain LOW today. Some small loose wet avalanche problems may still form on some isolated terrain features as the day warms up. Slab avalanches remain unlikely.

Click here to see the full forecast for 2018-02-03
February 3, 2018 at 6:51

Avalanche danger is LOW for all elevations. Isolated areas of unstable snow will form today. Loose wet is the avalanche problem to look for and avoid. Slab avalanches are very unlikely today on a regional scale.

Click here to see the full forecast for 2018-02-02
February 2, 2018 at 6:55

Avalanche danger is LOW for all elevations. Isolated areas of unstable snow will form today. Loose wet is the avalanche problem to look for and avoid. Slab avalanches are very unlikely today on a regional scale.

Click here to see the full forecast for 2018-02-01
February 1, 2018 at 6:50

Low avalanche danger exists throughout the forecast area.  Normal caution is advised.  Watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features.

Click here to see the full forecast for 2018-01-31
January 31, 2018 at 6:50

Low avalanche danger exists throughout the forecast region.  Loose wet avalanches and persistent slab avalanches are unlikely today.  Practice safe travel protocols and watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features.

Click here to see the full forecast for 2018-01-30
January 30, 2018 at 7:00

As the day warms up, the avalanche danger will increase to MODERATE due to the potential for loose wet avalanches.  A few isolated persistent slabs may also linger on some near and below treeline slopes, especially in the Carson Pass and Ebbetts Pass areas. 

Click here to see the full forecast for 2018-01-29
January 29, 2018 at 7:00

The avalanche danger remains MODERATE due to some wind slabs lingering in near and above treeline terrain and the potential for loose wet avalanches as the day warms up.  Some isolated persistent slabs may also linger in some near and below treeline areas, especially in the Carson Pass and Ebbetts Pass regions. 

Click here to see the full forecast for 2018-01-28
January 28, 2018 at 7:00

The avalanche danger remains MODERATE due to old and new wind slabs in near and above treeline terrain. Some loose wet avalanches may become possible as the day warms up.  Unlikely but not impossible persistent slabs may also linger in below treeline areas, especially in the Carson Pass region. 

Click here to see the full forecast for 2018-01-27
January 27, 2018 at 6:56

Avalanche danger is MODERATE near treeline and above treeline where another round of wind slab formation is expected to have occurred last night. Below treeline avalanche danger is LOW where triggering an avalanche on a regional scale is unlikely but not impossible. Persistent slab and loose wet avalanche problems have a high degree of uncertainty today.

 

Click here to see the full forecast for 2018-01-26
January 26, 2018 at 6:45

MODERATE avalanche danger exists above and below treeline due to a combination of wind slab and persistent slab avalanche problems. Significant uncertainly exists regarding the persistent slabs due to a change in weak layer of concern, isolated distribution, and a lack of data. Do not let an absence of signs of instability below treeline create a sense of security that discounts the possibility of an isolated avalanche problem.

Click here to see the full forecast for 2018-01-25
January 25, 2018 at 6:55

Considerable avalanche danger will exist today due to wind slab, storm slab, and deep slab avalanche problems.  Wind slabs will be likely in near and above treeline areas.  Storm slabs and deep slabs will be likely in near and below treeline areas.  Dangerous avalanche conditions exist.  Careful snowpack evaluation, cautious route finding, and conservative decision making are essential today.

Click here to see the full forecast for 2018-01-24
January 24, 2018 at 6:59

Moderate avalanche danger will exist for most of today due to a wind slab avalanche problem.  Human triggered wind slabs will be possible in near treeline and above treeline terrain.  After the onset of snowfall this afternoon, avalanche danger will quickly rise to considerable due to wind slab, storm slab, and deep persistent slab avalanche problems.  Dangerous avalanche conditions will exist.

Click here to see the full forecast for 2018-01-23
January 23, 2018 at 6:54

LOW avalanche danger exists at all elevations, but LOW danger does not mean no danger. An isolated persistent slab avalanche problem may still linger in a few areas. In the unlikely event that an isolated human-triggered persistent slab avalanche does occur, it could be large with significant consequences.

Click here to see the full forecast for 2018-01-22
January 22, 2018 at 6:54

MODERATE avalanche danger exists at all elevations due to newly formed wind slabs and unlikely but not impossible persistent slab avalanche problems lingering in isolated areas. In the unlikely event that an isolated human-triggered persistent slab avalanche does occur, it could be large with significant consequences.

Click here to see the full forecast for 2018-01-21
January 21, 2018 at 7:00

Lingering isolated areas of persistent slab avalanche problems will keep the avalanche danger at MODERATE in near and below treeline terrain. If an isolated human triggered persistent slab avalanche does occur, it could be large with significant consequences. Above treeline, avalanche danger is LOW.

Click here to see the full forecast for 2018-01-20
January 20, 2018 at 6:58

MODERATE avalanche danger exists near treeline and below treeline due to isolated areas of a persistent slab avalanche problem. Any isolated human triggered persistent slab avalanches could be large with significant consequences. Above treeline, avalanche danger is LOW.

Click here to see the full forecast for 2018-01-19
January 19, 2018 at 6:59

CONSIDERABLE avalanche danger exists at all elevations in areas that held snow cover prior to last night's snowfall. A combination of wind slab, storm slab, and persistent slab avalanche problems exist. Very large avalanches could occur below treeline. Complex and dangerous avalanche conditions exist. Powder fever could easily induce poor decision making today.

Click here to see the full forecast for 2018-01-18
January 18, 2018 at 6:55

Low avalanche danger will continue to exist throughout most of the day.  As the approaching winter storm impacts our region late this afternoon/evening, avalanche danger will begin to increase.  By this evening, considerable avalanche danger will exist.  Wind slab, storm slab, and persistent slab avalanche problems will become likely during the evening and overnight hours.  Natural avalanche activity is likely and dangerous avalanche conditions will exist.

Click here to see the full forecast for 2018-01-17
January 17, 2018 at 6:52

Low avalanche danger continues at all elevations throughout the forecast region.  A persistent slab avalanche problem continues to exist in isolated areas in near treeline and below treeline terrain.  Avalanche danger is expected to increase tomorrow as a strong winter storm impacts our area.

Click here to see the full forecast for 2018-01-16
January 16, 2018 at 6:58

While the avalanche danger should remain LOW today due to the minimal snow accumulation expected, unstable snow may still exist in isolated areas due to lingering persistent slabs or very small pockets of newly formed wind slabs. If observations indicate that an isolated area of unstable snow may exist, choose different terrain. If more snow falls than forecasted, larger avalanche problems could exist and the avalanche danger could increase to MODERATE.

Click here to see the full forecast for 2018-01-15
January 15, 2018 at 6:57

The avalanche danger remains LOW. Triggering an avalanche remains unlikely on a regional scale. LOW danger does not mean NO danger. Unstable snow may still exist in isolated areas due to lingering persistent slabs. Investigate the snowpack and determine if the persistent slab problem may still linger in your chosen area. If so or if you don't have enough data for a clear answer, chose a different area. Avalanche danger should increase tomorrow as a small storm impacts the area.

Click here to see the full forecast for 2018-01-14
January 14, 2018 at 6:55

Triggering an avalanche has become unlikely on a regional scale; however, some unstable snow may still exist in isolated areas due to lingering persistent slab issues.  Avalanche danger is LOW for all elevations. Investigate the snowpack and determine if the area you want to travel in is one of those isolated places where the persistent slab problem may still linger. If so or if you don't have enough data for a clear answer, chose a different area. 

Click here to see the full forecast for 2018-01-13
January 13, 2018 at 6:55

Avalanche danger is LOW for all elevations. While avalanche activity on a regional scale has become unlikely, human triggered persistent slab avalanches remain a concern in isolated areas.  Understanding if the avalanche problem does or does not exist within the snowpack on your terrain of interest should influence go/no go decision making much more than the regional scale danger rating.

Click here to see the full forecast for 2018-01-12
January 12, 2018 at 6:57

Avalanche danger is LOW for all elevations. On a regional scale, triggering an avalanche has become unlikely. Localized, isolated areas of instability may still exist where a human triggered persistent slab or wind slab avalanche could occur. Identify the specific avalanche problem that may exist in the desired area of travel and take appropriate steps to manage it.

Click here to see the full forecast for 2018-01-11
January 11, 2018 at 6:48

Moderate avalanche danger continues due to a persistent slab avalanche problem.  Human triggered avalanches remain possible at all elevations.  Evaluate snow and terrain carefully, identify features of concern.

Click here to see the full forecast for 2018-01-10
January 10, 2018 at 6:55

Moderate avalanche danger exists throughout the forecast area due to persistent slab and wind slab avalanche problems.  Human triggered avalanches are possible today.  Persistent slab avalanches will be possible at all elevations and wind slab avalanches will be possible in near and above treeline terrain.  Heightened avalanche conditions exist on specific terrain features.

Click here to see the full forecast for 2018-01-09
January 9, 2018 at 7:00

MODERATE avalanche danger exists below 9000 ft. and human triggered avalanches will remain possible today due to lingering persistent slabs, loose wet instabilities, and some wind slab problems. In areas above 9000 ft. where more of the precipitation fell as snow and in areas that received the most snow accumulation CONSIDERABLE danger exists and some human triggered wind slabs or persistent slabs may be likely. Careful snowpack evaluation, cautious route-finding and conservative decision-making are essential.

Click here to see the full forecast for 2018-01-08
January 8, 2018 at 7:00

As more snow, rain, and wind impact the forecast area over the next 24 hours, human-triggered avalanches will be likely and natural avalanches will be possible especially later today and during the night. Avalanche problems include persistent slabs, loose wet avalanches, and wind slabs. CONSIDERABLE avalanche danger will exist at all elevations. Avalanches could involve enough snow to bury a person. Dangerous avalanche conditions will exist across the forecast area.

Click here to see the full forecast for 2018-01-07
January 7, 2018 at 6:58

Moderate avalanche danger will exist today with wind slab and persistent slab avalanche problems.  Human triggered wind slab avalanches will be possible in near and above treeline terrain.  Persistent slab avalanches will continue to be possible at all elevations.  Areas of concern exist on specific terrain features, evaluate snow and terrain carefully.  Avalanche danger is expected to rise with the approaching storm on Monday.

Click here to see the full forecast for 2018-01-06
January 6, 2018 at 6:59

CONSIDERABLE avalanche danger exists at all elevations due to a combination of loose wet, wind slab, and persistent slab avalanche problems. Intentionally choose terrain, evaluate slope aspect(s) for the presence or absence of avalanche problems, identify likely areas of triggering, and evaluate avalanche consequences in terms of potential size and down slope hazards. Determine how much you really know based on actual data vs what is a guess or pre-bias. If in doubt, make a more conservative choice.

Click here to see the full forecast for 2018-01-05
January 5, 2018 at 7:01

MODERATE avalanche danger is increasing towards CONSIDERABLE avalanche danger at all elevations as rain and wet snow continue. Loose wet, persistent slab, and wind slab avalanche problems are a concern over the next 24 hours.

Click here to see the full forecast for 2018-01-04
January 4, 2018 at 6:59

MODERATE avalanche danger exists at all elevations today due to isolated persistent slabs in areas where a slab layer exists above loose weak snow and rain on snow creating loose wet instabilities. Human-triggered avalanches will be possible today. While most avalanches should remain small, the shallow snowpack and numerous exposed obstacles can provide large consequences for any size avalanche. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully. Identify where instabilities may exist and avoid those areas in favor of less steep slopes.

Click here to see the full forecast for 2018-01-03
January 3, 2018 at 6:52

Avalanche activity will remain unlikely in most areas today except in isolated areas where a slab layer exists above loose weak snow (facets) where small isolated human-triggered persistent slab avalanches may be possible. As a result, the avalanche danger remains at MODERATE at all elevations. As rain and snow begin to fall this evening some loose wet instabilities may start to form during the night and some of those isolated persistent slabs may become easier to trigger.

Click here to see the full forecast for 2018-01-02
January 2, 2018 at 6:52

While avalanche activity is unlikely in most areas, the snowpack continues to weaken and human-triggered persistent slab avalanches remain possible in isolated areas where a slab layer exists above loose weak sugary snow (facets). As a result, the avalanche danger remains at MODERATE at all elevations. Identify and avoid areas where a slab layer exists on top of the persistent weak layer of faceted snow

Click here to see the full forecast for 2017-12-31
December 31, 2017 at 6:52

Moderate avalanche danger continues at all elevations due to a persistent slab avalanche problem as our existing snowpack continues to weaken over time.  Human triggered avalanches are possible throughout the forecast region in isolated areas.  Identify and avoid areas of concern.  This avalanche advisory will be updated by 7am on Tuesday, January 2.

Click here to see the full forecast for 2017-12-30
December 30, 2017 at 6:51

Avalanche danger is MODERATE for all elevations. In isolated areas, the snowpack has weakened to the point that human triggered avalanches are now possible. Have a group discussion highlighting how managing a persistent slab avalanche problem is different from managing a wind slab avalanche problem. Adjust terrain selection and travel tactics accordingly.

Click here to see the full forecast for 2017-12-29
December 29, 2017 at 6:59

Avalanche danger is MODERATE for all elevations. Human triggered avalanches have become possible in isolated areas. Curious as to how the avalanche danger went from LOW to MODERATE without a storm? Read up on the terms faceted snow and persistent slab.

Click here to see the full forecast for 2017-12-28
December 28, 2017 at 6:40

While avalanches remain unlikely in most areas, the avalanche danger has increased to MODERATE due to a weakening snowpack allowing persistent slab problems to exist in specific areas. Human-triggered avalanches may be possible today in terrain with the right combination of a slab layer resting on top of a persistent weak layer of loose weak snow. This combination does not exist everywhere. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully and identify where slabs may exist on top of a persistent weak layer.

Click here to see the full forecast for 2017-12-27
December 27, 2017 at 7:00

While avalanches remain unlikely in most areas, the avalanche danger has increased to MODERATE due to a stubborn persistent slab problem that exists in specific areas. Human triggered avalanches may be possible today in terrain where harder snow exists on top of a persistent weak layer of looser weaker snow. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully and identify areas where slabs may exist on top of a persistent weak layer

Click here to see the full forecast for 2017-12-26
December 26, 2017 at 6:49

The avalanche danger remains LOW across the forecast area. Continue to use normal caution when traveling in the backcountry and watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features especially in areas where small wind slabs exist on top of weaker snow. 

Click here to see the full forecast for 2017-12-24
December 24, 2017 at 6:50

Low avalanche danger will continue throughout the forecast region at all elevations.  Normal caution is advised.  Watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features.  This forecast will be updated on Tuesday, December 26, by 7am.

Click here to see the full forecast for 2017-12-23
December 23, 2017 at 6:56

Avalanche danger is LOW for all elevations. Human triggering of avalanches is unlikely. Use the equipment and travel techniques associated with Normal Caution to help minimize the consequences of encountering an unexpected area of unstable snow.

Click here to see the full forecast for 2017-12-22
December 22, 2017 at 6:55

Avalanche danger is LOW for all elevations and aspects. Small wind slabs exist in a variety of locations near and above treeline with human triggering unlikely. Look for and identify isolated areas of potential instability.

Click here to see the full forecast for 2017-12-21
December 21, 2017 at 6:58

MODERATE avalanche danger exists in near and above treeline terrain due to yesterday's lingering wind slabs and today's newly formed wind slabs. Small loose dry avalanches could also occur on steep slopes where loose unconsolidated surface snow exists in more sheltered terrain. Human triggered avalanches remain possible today. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully; identify areas where avalanche problems exist; and avoid those areas.

Click here to see the full forecast for 2017-12-20
December 20, 2017 at 6:58

Human triggered avalanches are possible today at all elevations. Some of these could involve enough snow to bury a person in areas where the most new snow accumulates. Today's avalanche problems include wind slabs, storm slabs, and loose dry avalanches. MODERATE avalanche danger will exist at all elevations. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully; identify areas where avalanche problems exist; and avoid those areas.

Click here to see the full forecast for 2017-12-19
December 19, 2017 at 6:56

LOW avalanche danger will continue today. While triggering an avalanche remains unlikely, following safe travel protocols when in and around avalanche terrain remains a prudent choice. A winter storm forecasted to move into the area tonight and tomorrow will cause the avalanche danger to increase tomorrow and human triggered wind slab and storm slab avalanches may become an issue. If the storm moves in faster than expected, the avalanche danger could increase tonight. 

Click here to see the full forecast for 2017-12-18
December 18, 2017 at 6:50

Low avalanche danger continues throughout the forecast area at all elevations.  While triggering an avalanche is unlikely, you should still follow safe travel protocols when in and around avalanche terrain.  Normal caution is advised.

Click here to see the full forecast for 2017-12-17
December 17, 2017 at 6:50

Low avalanche danger continues throughout the forecast region.  Normal caution is advised.  Watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features at all elevations .

Click here to see the full forecast for 2017-12-16
December 16, 2017 at 6:54

Avalanche danger is LOW for all elevations. On a regional scale, triggering an avalanche is unlikely. Signs of isolated, difficult to trigger slab instability continue to show both above and below treeline. Normal caution is advised.

Click here to see the full forecast for 2017-12-15
December 15, 2017 at 6:50

Avalanche danger is LOW for all elevations. On a regional scale, triggering an avalanche is unlikely. Signs of isolated, difficult to trigger instability linger near and above treeline. Normal caution is advised.

Click here to see the full forecast for 2017-12-14
December 14, 2017 at 6:37

LOW avalanche danger exists at all elevations today. Continue to assess the snowpack and terrain, and travel carefully in the backcountry. Numerous exposed and barely covered obstacles still exist. 

Click here to see the full forecast for 2017-12-13
December 13, 2017 at 6:47

LOW avalanche danger exists at all elevations today. Triggering an avalanche is unlikely but not impossible. Continue to assess the snowpack and terrain, and travel carefully in the backcountry. Watch for lingering unstable snow on isolated terrain features.

Click here to see the full forecast for 2017-12-12
December 12, 2017 at 6:28

The avalanche danger remains LOW for all elevations today. Some isolated hard wind slabs may still linger in near treeline and above terrain. Triggering these wind slabs has become unlikely, but not impossible for larger triggers or the right trigger on the right slope.  Continue to watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features.

Click here to see the full forecast for 2017-12-11
December 11, 2017 at 6:40

Low avalanche danger continues throughout the forecast area at all elevations.  Isolated hard wind slabs in near treeline and above treeline terrain represent an unlikely, but not impossible avalanche problem.  Look for unstable snow on isolated terrain features.

Click here to see the full forecast for 2017-12-10
December 10, 2017 at 6:45

Avalanche danger is low throughout the forecast area.  Hard wind slabs in isolated near treeline and above treeline terrain still remain a concern but have become unlikely.  Watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features.

Click here to see the full forecast for 2017-12-09
December 9, 2017 at 6:54

Hard wind slabs continue to pose a difficult to trigger avalanche problem keeping MODERATE avalanche danger ongoing in some near and above treeline areas. Below treeline, avalanche danger is LOW. These near and above treeline wind slabs are very dense and could allow a person to travel well out onto the slab, becoming fully committed to the slope prior to avalanche occurrence. It is also plausible that several to numerous individuals could travel a slope before the snowpack fails.

Click here to see the full forecast for 2017-12-08
December 8, 2017 at 6:46

Hard wind slabs continue to pose an avalanche problem leading to MODERATE avalanche danger in some near and above treeline areas. Below treeline, avalanche danger is LOW.

Click here to see the full forecast for 2017-12-07
December 7, 2017 at 6:48

MODERATE danger continues in near and above treeline terrain where hard wind slabs exist above older weaker snow. While these hard slabs may be difficult to trigger, human-triggered avalanches remain possible. If these slabs do break, they would likely fail above the trigger or after that person committed to the slope. Identify where wind slabs exist and avoid them. Firm or icy surfaces where arresting a fall would be challenging also exist on some exposed near and above treeline terrain.

Click here to see the full forecast for 2017-12-06
December 6, 2017 at 6:40

MODERATE avalanche danger will continue in near and above treeline terrain due to the hard wind slabs created by the strong NE winds. While these hard slabs may be difficult to trigger, human-triggered avalanches remain possible today. Identify where wind slabs exist and avoid steep wind-loaded terrain. Firm, scoured, or icy surfaces where arresting a fall would be challenging also exist on exposed near and above treeline terrain.

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