The last avalanche forecast for the 2023-2024 season posted on April 21st. Thank you to all who contributed to the avalanche center this season through observations, volunteer time, and/or financial contributions.
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 2017-01-30 |
January 30, 2017 at 6:59 LOW avalanche danger exists at all elevations, but some unstable snow may still linger on isolated terrain features. Evaluate the terrain and snowpack while traveling in the backcountry to identify where these isolated areas of unstable snow may still exist. Use normal caution when traveling in the backcountry. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2017-01-29 |
January 29, 2017 at 6:59 LOW avalanche danger exists at all elevations. LOW danger does not mean no danger and unstable snow may still linger on isolated terrain features. Small avalanches could still occur in isolated or extreme terrain. Evaluate the terrain and snowpack while traveling in the backcountry to identify where these isolated areas of unstable snow may still exist. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2017-01-28 |
January 28, 2017 at 6:59 Human triggered wind slab avalanches may remain possible today due to wind slabs lingering in near and above treeline terrain. MODERATE avalanche danger exists on near and above treeline slopes. LOW avalanche danger exists in below treeline areas. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully before committing to a route. Use this information to identify features of concern like wind slabs and plan a route to avoid those areas of concern. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2017-01-27 |
January 27, 2017 at 6:45 Moderate avalanche danger will continue due to potential wind slab development. These wind slabs will be possible in near treeline and above treeline terrain on slopes steeper than 35 degrees. Low avalanche danger continues in all below treeline terrain. Identify and avoid areas where wind slabs may exist. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2017-01-26 |
January 26, 2017 at 6:45 Moderate avalanche danger exists in near treeline and above treeline terrain due to the possibility of a wind slab avalanche problem. Low avalanche danger continues in wind protected below treeline terrain. Identify and avoid areas where active wind loading is occurring or has previously occurred. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2017-01-25 |
January 25, 2017 at 6:45 MODERATE avalanche danger exists in near treeline and above treeline areas on slopes 35 degrees and steeper due to the possibility of another round of wind slab development. LOW avalanche danger exists for wind protected areas below treeline. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2017-01-24 |
January 24, 2017 at 6:34 MODERATE avalanche danger exists near treeline and above treeline due to wind slabs. Below treeline LOW avalanche danger exists in wind protected areas. Areas of instability will exist within greater surrounding areas of seemingly good stability. This could create a false sense of security. Avoid relying on marginal islands of safety or grouping up in runout zones. Evaluate slopes and terrain carefully, especially when changing elevation bands or changing from one aspect to another. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2017-01-23 |
January 23, 2017 at 6:58 CONSIDERABLE avalanche danger exists at all elevations due to widespread wind slabs and storm slabs. Widespread human-triggered avalanches are likely today, and some natural avalanches may remain possible. These avalanches could be large, deep, and destructive. Dangerous avalanche conditions exist. Carefully evaluate the snowpack and terrain before committing to any slopes and plan routes to avoid avalanche problems using conservative terrain choices. CONSIDERABLE is the danger rating where the most avalanche fatalities occur. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2017-01-22 |
January 22, 2017 at 6:59 HIGH avalanche danger exists at all elevations. Due to heavy snow, intense snowfall rates, and gale force winds human triggered wind slab avalanches and storm slab avalanches will be very likely today and natural avalanches will be likely. Some avalanches could be large, deep, and destructive. Travel in or near avalanche terrain or in the runout zones of avalanche paths is not recommended. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2017-01-21 |
January 21, 2017 at 6:58 Human triggered wind slab and storm avalanches are likely today. Natural avalanches are possible. CONSIDERABLE danger exists at all elevations. Some large and destructive avalanches could occur. Dangerous avalanche conditions exist. Carefully evaluate the snowpack and the terrain before committing to any slopes. Use this information to make conservative and cautious decisions and plan safe routes of travel that avoid avalanche problems. As another strong winter storm impacts the region tonight through Monday morning, the avalanche danger will increase. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2017-01-20 |
January 20, 2017 at 6:50 Considerable avalanche danger will continue throughout the forecast area as another storm impacts our region. Wind slab and storm slab avalanche problems will be very likely at all elevations. Natural triggered avalanches will be possible and human triggered avalanches will be likely. Dangerous avalanche conditions exist. Conservative decision making and terrain choices are critical today. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2017-01-19 |
January 19, 2017 at 6:50 Considerable avalanche danger exists at all elevations due to wind slab and storm slab avalanche problems. Dangerous avalanche conditions exist. Natural triggered avalanches are possible and human triggered avalanches are likely. Cautious route finding and conservative decision making are essential today. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2017-01-18 |
January 18, 2017 at 6:56 LOW avalanche danger continues through the morning hours today. Following the onset of precipitation, MODERATE avalanche danger will exist at all elevations on slopes 35 degrees and steeper. Avalanche danger will further increasing to CONSIDERABLE danger during the evening and overnight hours at all elevations on slopes 30 degrees and steeper. Expect new wind slabs and storm slabs to form during the afternoon and overnight hours. Natural avalanches are possible tonight. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2017-01-17 |
January 17, 2017 at 6:45 LOW avalanche danger exists for all elevations. Avalanche activity is unlikely, not impossible. Isolated areas of unstable snow may exist. Normal caution is advised. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2017-01-16 |
January 16, 2017 at 6:59 LOW avalanche danger exists at all elevations. While triggering an avalanche has become unlikely, some unstable snow may still exist on isolated terrain features and small avalanches could still occur in isolated or extreme terrain. Continue to evaluate the terrain and snowpack while traveling in the backcountry to identify where these isolated areas of unstable snow may still exist. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2017-01-15 |
January 15, 2017 at 6:58 The avalanche danger has decreased to LOW. Low avalanche danger does not mean no avalanche danger. Unstable snow may still exist on isolated terrain features and small avalanches could still occur in isolated or extreme terrain. Continue to evaluate the terrain and snowpack while traveling in the backcountry to identify where these isolated areas of unstable snow may still exist and avoid those slopes. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2017-01-14 |
January 14, 2017 at 6:54 MODERATE avalanche danger exists at all elevations due to newly formed wind slabs and unlikely but not impossible lingering deep slabs. Human triggered avalanches may remain possible today especially in regards to the wind slabs that formed yesterday. Evaluate the snowpack and terrain carefully before committing to any route and use this information to identify and avoid areas of concern. This data can also help find safer areas to recreate where good snow conditions exist. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2017-01-13 |
January 13, 2017 at 6:50 Moderate avalanche danger exists throughout the forecast area at all elevations due to wind slab and deep slab avalanche problems. Human triggered avalanches remain possible today. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully, identify features of concern. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2017-01-12 |
January 12, 2017 at 6:54 Considerable avalanche danger exists at all elevations due to wind slab, storm slab, and deep slab avalanche problems. Dangerous avalanche conditions exist. Natural avalanches are possible and human triggered avalanches are likely. 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 2017-01-11 |
January 11, 2017 at 6:45 HIGH avalanche danger continues for all elevations and aspects due to a combination of wind slab, storm slab, and deep slab avalanche problems. Travel in avalanche terrain, on or below slopes 30 degrees and steeper is not recommended. Avalanches could run into areas of mature forest. A backcountry avalanche warning remains in effect through 5 pm today. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2017-01-10 |
January 10, 2017 at 6:51 HIGH avalanche danger exists for all elevations and aspects due to a combination of wind slab, storm slab, and deep slab avalanche problems. Travel in avalanche terrain, on or below slopes 30 degrees and steeper is not recommended. Avalanches could run into areas of mature forest. A backcountry avalanche warning is in effect through at least 7 am Wednesday. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2017-01-09 |
January 9, 2017 at 6:55 Dangerous avalanche conditions still exist and large, deep, destructive human-triggered avalanches remain likely due to deep slabs and wind slabs. CONSIDERABLE avalanche danger exists at all elevations. This danger rating is when the most avalanche fatalities occur. Carefully evaluate the snowpack and terrain and use this information to create safe and conservative travel plans. Avoid areas where avalanche problems may exist. The avalanche danger will rise to HIGH again tonight as more snow and wind impact the forecast area. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2017-01-08 |
January 8, 2017 at 7:00 Natural and human triggered avalanches are certain today due to the significant amount of rain on snow expected below 9300 ft. and heavy wet snow loading above 9000 ft. Large, deep, destructive wet slab, deep slab, and wind slab avalanches will occur today as well as loose wet avalanches. Avalanches could run farther than expected and involve almost the entire snowpack. Avoid travel in or near avalanche terrain or runout zones today. EXTREME avalanche danger exists at all elevations. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2017-01-07 |
January 7, 2017 at 7:00 UPDATED @ 1:30PM Due to snow levels rising sooner than expected, natural and human triggered avalanches are likely this afternoon and tonight. Large destructive deep slabs, wind slabs, and wet slabs that run long distances are likely as more rain and snow impact the region. Very dangerous avalanche conditions exist. Travel in or near avalanche terrain is not recommended. The avalanche danger has increased to HIGH at all elevations due to rain, wind, and snow impacting the region. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2017-01-06 |
January 6, 2017 at 6:54 Moderate avalanche danger exists throughout the forecast area due to deep slab and wind slab avalanches. Dangerous avalanche conditions continue to be possible with many deep slab avalanches occurring throughout the forecast area within the last 48 hours including a skier triggered deep slab avalanche in the Mt. Rose area yesterday partially burying a skier and a car. Large avalanches with severe consequences could be human triggered today. Cautious route finding and conservative decision making are essential. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2017-01-05 |
January 5, 2017 at 6:55 Considerable avalanche danger exists at all elevations throughout the forecast area. Dangerous avalanche conditions continue due to wind slabs, storm slabs, and deep slab avalanche problems. Human triggered avalanches are likely and natural avalanches are possible today. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2017-01-04 |
January 4, 2017 at 6:48 HIGH avalanche danger exists at all elevations today. Natural and human triggered avalanches are likely in a variety of areas. Large destructive avalanches could occur. A complex mix of wind slab, storm slab, and deep slab avalanche problems exist. The majority of avalanche activity today is expected on slopes 35 degrees and steeper but could occur on slopes 30 degrees and steeper in isolated areas. A Backcountry Avalanche Warning is in effect until 7 am Thursday. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2017-01-03 |
January 3, 2017 at 6:58 CONSIDERABLE avalanche danger at all elevations exists today, increasing to HIGH danger this evening. Human triggered avalanches are likely and natural avalanches are possible. A complex mix of wind slab, storm slab, and deep slab avalanche problems exist. The majority of avalanche activity today is expected on slopes 35 degrees and steeper but could occur on slopes 30 degrees and steeper in isolated areas. An Avalanche Warning has been issued starting 4 pm today lasting through 7 am Thursday. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2017-01-02 |
January 2, 2017 at 7:00 Human triggered avalanches will be possible today at all elevations due to new wind slabs, new storm slabs, and lingering persistent slabs. Some avalanches could be large and have serious consequences. Evaluate the snowpack and terrain carefully; identify areas where instability may exist, and use this information to avoid those areas of concern. MODERATE avalanche danger exists at all elevations. As more snow and wind impact the region this week, the avalanche danger will increase. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2016-12-31 |
December 31, 2016 at 7:00 THIS ADVISORY WILL BE UPDATED ON JANUARY 2, 2017 at 7:00 am. Human triggered avalanches will remain possible today and tomorrow on some slopes steeper than 32 degrees. MODERATE avalanche danger exists at all elevations. Evaluate the snowpack and terrain carefully; identify areas where instability may exist, and use this information to avoid those areas of concern. As more snow and wind imapct the region this week the avalanche danger will increase. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2016-12-30 |
December 30, 2016 at 6:45 Moderate avalanche danger continues to be possible throughout most of the forecast area due to persistent slabs. These persistent slabs are found on slopes steeper than 32 degrees at all elevations mainly along the Sierra Crest. Human triggered avalanches remain possible today. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2016-12-29 |
December 29, 2016 at 6:45 Moderate avalanche danger continues throughout the forecast area on slopes steeper than 32 degrees at all elevations due to persistent slabs. Human triggered avalanches remain possible today. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully, identify features of concern. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2016-12-28 |
December 28, 2016 at 6:58 Areas of MODERATE avalanche danger continue to exist at all elevations on slopes 32 degrees and steeper due to a combination of wind slabs and persistent slabs. A human triggered wind slab avalanche occurred yesterday with signs of persistent instability present in other areas. Human triggered avalanches are possible again today in a variety of areas. Exercise caution and conservative decision making during backcountry travel. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2016-12-27 |
December 27, 2016 at 7:00 Areas of MODERATE avalanche danger exist at all elevations on slopes 32 degrees and steeper due to a combination of wind slabs and persistent slabs. Several human triggered avalanches occurred yesterday with signs of persistent instability present in other areas. Human triggered avalanches are possible again today in a variety of areas. Isolated natural avalanche activity is unlikely but not impossible today. Exercise caution and conservative decision making during backcountry travel. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2016-12-26 |
December 26, 2016 at 6:59 Some human triggered avalanches may remain possible on specific terrain today due to a combination of storm slabs in near and below treeline terrain and lingering wind slabs in wind-loaded near and above treeline terrain. MODERATE avalanche danger exists at all elevations. Evaluate the snowpack and terrain carefully before committing to any slopes. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2016-12-25 |
December 25, 2016 at 6:55 Human triggered avalanches remain possible at all elevations today due to a combination of storm slabs in near and below treeline terrain, wind slabs in wind-loaded near and above treeline terrain, and loose dry avalanches in non-wind-affected terrain. Remote triggering of the storm slabs and wind slabs may be possible today. MODERATE avalanche danger exists at all elevations. Evaluate the snowpack and terrain carefully and use this data to inform your decision making and route planning. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2016-12-24 |
December 24, 2016 at 7:00 This advisory is valid until 12/26 at 7am. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2016-12-23 |
December 23, 2016 at 6:58 A fast and powerful winter storm will impact our area starting this morning and continue through tonight. Avalanche hazard will quickly rise to High as snowfall rates approach 3'' per hour later this morning. Wind slab and storm slab avalanche problems will be very likely at all elevations throughout the region. An avalanche warning has been issued for the forecast area until 7am Saturday morning. Very dangerous avalanche conditions exist. Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2016-12-22 |
December 22, 2016 at 6:50 Low avalanche danger continues across the forecast area for today at all elevations. Normal caution is advised. Avalanche danger is expected to increase tomorrow as a significant winter storm moves into our area. An avalanche watch has been issued to reflect this expected increase in avalanche danger. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2016-12-21 |
December 21, 2016 at 6:47 LOW avalanche danger exists for all elevations. Isolated old wind slabs may linger in near and above treeline terrain. Normal caution is advised. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2016-12-20 |
December 20, 2016 at 6:50 Areas of MODERATE avalanche danger linger near and above treeline due to old wind slabs. Below treeline, LOW avalanche danger exists. Avalanche activity has been reported in isolated areas each of the past two days. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2016-12-19 |
December 19, 2016 at 7:10 MODERATE avalanche danger may exist due to possible wind slabs resting on a variety of weak layers on all wind-loaded aspects. Some of these wind slabs are small and some could be large. Human triggered wind slab avalanches may be possible today. A human triggered avalanche that may have been a wind slab was reported in the Mt. Rose backcountry yesterday. Triggering a deep slab avalanche on NW-N-NE aspects above 9000 ft. has become unlikely but not impossible. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2016-12-18 |
December 18, 2016 at 7:03 MODERATE avalanche danger may exist on NW-W-SW-S-SE aspects in above treeline terrain due to possible wind slabs created by forecasted NE and E winds. These new wind slabs should remain small but could knock a person off their feet. Triggering a deep slab avalanche on NW-N-NE aspects above 9000 ft. has become unlikely but not impossible. At elevations below 9000 ft. less avalanche danger exists, but firm icy slopes with a dusting of snow may exist on all aspects. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2016-12-17 |
December 17, 2016 at 7:00 MODERATE avalanche danger exists due to possible wind slabs on all aspects above treeline and on NW-N-NE-E-SE aspects in near and below treeline terrain. Some unlikely but not impossible deep slabs may still linger on high elevation NW-N-NE aspects on slopes steeper than 32 degrees as well. At elevations below 9000 ft. less avalanche danger exists, but firm icy slopes with a dusting of snow may exist on all aspects. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2016-12-16 |
December 16, 2016 at 6:54 Areas above 8000' where the most snow has fallen will have Considerable avalanche danger. Wind slabs have and will continue to form throughout today on NW-N-NE-E-SE-S aspects. Deep persistent slabs will be possible above 9000' on NW-N-NE aspects. Natural triggered avalanches are possible and human triggered avalanches are likely in these areas. Large destructive avalanches remain possible throughout today. Firm icy surfaces exist at the lower elevations and could pose dangerous travel conditions with long sliding falls possible. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2016-12-15 |
December 15, 2016 at 6:57 Considerable avalanche danger will exist as the next storm impacts our forecast area today and tonight. Wind slabs will be likely above snow level on NW-N-NE-E-SE aspects near and above treeline. Deep persistent slabs will be possible on NW-N-NE aspects above 9000' below treeline and above treeline. Natural avalanches will be possible and human triggered avalanches will be likely. Large destructive avalanches are possible today. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2016-12-14 |
December 14, 2016 at 6:57 Areas of MODERATE avalanche danger exist above 8,000' both above and below treeline on slopes 35 degrees and steeper due to a combination of newly formed wind slabs above 8,000' and difficult to trigger persistent slabs above 9,000'. Below 8,000' to 9,000' firm icy surfaces exists in many areas and could pose dangerous travel conditions with long sliding falls possible. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2016-12-13 |
December 13, 2016 at 7:00 MODERATE avalanche danger exists due to possible persistent slabs on high elevation NW-N-NE aspects on slopes steeper than 32 degrees. While avalanches may have become harder to trigger, large destructive human-triggered avalanches may still be possible today. In addition to the avalanche danger, firm icy slopes may exist on all aspects up to 9000 ft. due to a frozen rain crust. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2016-12-12 |
December 12, 2016 at 7:00 MODERATE avalanche danger exists due to possible persistent slabs on high elevation NW-N-NE aspects on slopes steeper than 32 degrees and some unlikely but not impossible wind slabs on wind loaded upper elevation slopes. While avalanches may have become harder to trigger, large destructive human-triggered avalanches remain possible today. In addition to the avalanche danger, firm icy slopes may exist on all aspects up to 9000 ft. due to a frozen rain crust. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2016-12-11 |
December 11, 2016 at 7:00 MODERATE avalanche danger exists due to wind slabs on near and above treeline NW-N-NE-E-SE aspects steeper than 35 degrees and possible persistent slabs on high elevation N aspects and isolated NE aspects on slopes steeper than 32 degrees. While avalanches may have become slightly harder to trigger today than they were yesterday, large destructive human-triggered avalanches remain possible today. Dangerous avalanche conditions could exist today. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2016-12-10 |
December 10, 2016 at 6:50 Considerable avalanche danger could exist today due to wind slabs and persistent slab avalanches. Wind slabs could form on NW-N-NE-E-SE aspects near and above treeline at snow level and above. Persistent slabs are possible on North aspects along the Sierra Crest and in the Mt. Rose area. All other areas will have Moderate avalanche danger. Dangerous avalanche conditions could exist today-large avalanches are possible in specific terrain areas. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2016-12-09 |
December 9, 2016 at 6:54 Moderate avalanche danger exists throughout the forecast area due to wind slabs and persistent slab problems. Wind slabs are possible on NW-N-NE-E-SE aspects near and above treeline at elevations above 8500'. Persistent slabs are possible on North aspects along the Sierra Crest and in the Mt. Rose area. Avalanche danger is expected to rise as another storm impacts our region tonight and through Saturday. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2016-12-08 |
December 8, 2016 at 6:55 Considerable avalanche danger exists as additional loading of snow and rain occur throughout the region. Wind slabs will be possible on NW-N-NE-E-SE aspects near and above treeline. Storm slabs will be possible on all aspects below treeline and near treeline where previous snow coverage existed. Persistent slab avalanches will become possible on N aspects along the Sierra Crest and in the Mt. Rose area. Dangerous avalanche conditions exist. Careful snowpack evaluation, cautious route finding, and conservative decision making are essential. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2016-12-07 |
December 7, 2016 at 6:52 LOW avalanche danger will continue through the day today. Normal caution is advised. Avalanche danger will begin to increase tonight following the onset of snowfall as new wind slabs begin to form in lee areas. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2016-12-06 |
December 6, 2016 at 6:40 LOW avalanche danger continues for all elevations and aspects. Isolated areas of instability are not impossible. Normal caution is advised. Early season conditions exist with numerous shallow buried and exposed obstacles in most areas. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2016-12-05 |
December 5, 2016 at 6:45 LOW avalanche danger exists on all aspects and elevations. LOW danger does not mean "no danger" and small unlikely but not impossible avalanches could still occur in isolated areas or extreme terrain. Practice safe backcountry travel habits like moving one at a time from safe zone to safe zone while traveling through avalanche terrain. Early season conditions exist with numerous exposed and shallowly buried obstacles in most areas. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2016-12-04 |
December 4, 2016 at 6:48 LOW avalanche danger exists on all aspects and elevations. LOW danger does not mean "no danger" and small avalanches could still occur in isolated areas or extreme terrain. Practice safe backcountry travel habits like moving one at a time from safe zone to safe zone to reduce your risk while traveling through avalanche terrain. Early season conditions exist with numerous exposed and shallowly buried obstacles in most areas. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2016-12-03 |
December 3, 2016 at 6:58 The avalanche danger remains LOW for all aspects and elevations. LOW danger does not mean "no danger" and small avalanches could still occur in isolated areas or extreme terrain. Practice safe backcountry travel habits like moving one at a time from safe zone to safe zone to reduce your risk while traveling through avalanche terrain. Early season conditions exist with numerous exposed and shallowly buried obstacles in most areas. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2016-12-02 |
December 2, 2016 at 6:50 Low avalanche danger continues throughout the forecast region on all aspects and elevations. Normal caution is advised. Use proper backcountry travel protocols to further reduce your risk while traveling through avalanche terrain. Early season conditions exist in most areas.
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2016-12-01 |
December 1, 2016 at 6:45 Low avalanche danger exists on all aspects and elevations throughout the forecast area. Normal caution is advised. Generally safe avalanche conditions exist. Watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2016-11-30 |
November 30, 2016 at 6:41 Avalanche danger is LOW for all elevations and aspects. A low likelihood, high consequence persistent slab avalanche problem remains on N aspects both above and below treeline in specific areas. Very isolated wind slabs may linger on any aspect in near and above treeline terrain. Normal caution is advised for managing the wind slab problem. Extra caution and conservative terrain choices are advised for managing the persistent slab problem. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2016-11-29 |
November 29, 2016 at 6:47 MODERATE avalanche danger exists near and above treeline on all aspects on slopes steeper than 35 degrees due to wind slabs formed by recent SW and NE winds. Persistent slabs are on ongoing problem on N aspects with MODERATE danger both above and below treeline on slopes steeper than 30 degrees in specific areas. LOW danger exists in most areas below treeline, with the exception of N aspects. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2016-11-28 |
November 28, 2016 at 7:00 MODERATE avalanche danger exists on N aspects steeper than 30 degrees above 8300 ft. along the Sierra Crest and above 9300 ft. in the Mt. Rose area due to a persistent slab problem. MODERATE danger also exists on wind loaded near and above treeline slopes steeper than 35 degrees due to wind slab problems. Wind slabs may exist on any aspect due to the changing winds today. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2016-11-27 |
November 27, 2016 at 6:51 Considerable avalanche danger exists today due to wind slabs and persistent slabs. Wind slabs will exist on NW-N-NE-E-SE-S aspects in near treeline terrain and above treeline terrain. Persistent slabs will exist on North aspects where previous old snow existed from late October and early November. Dangerous avalanche conditions exist. Careful snowpack evaluation, cautious route finding, and conservative decision making is essential. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2016-11-26 |
November 26, 2016 at 6:58 MODERATE avalanche danger exists on N aspects steeper than 30 degrees in all terrain above 8000 ft. due to possible persistent slabs. MODERATE avalanche danger also exists on NW-N-NE-E-SE aspects in near and above treeline terrain on slopes steeper than 35 degrees due wind slabs. Large persistent slab avalanches are possible on true N aspects in the northern portion of the forecast area. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2016-11-25 |
November 25, 2016 at 7:01 MODERATE avalanche danger exists on N aspects in all terrain above 8000 ft. and on NW-N-NE-E-SE aspects in near and above treeline terrain on slopes steeper than 30 degrees due to a combination of wind slabs and persistent slabs. Large persistent slab avalanches are possible on true N aspects in the northern portion of the forecast area.
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2016-11-23 |
November 23, 2016 at 6:59 This is a two day advisory, valid now through Thanksgiving Day. Avalanche danger is MODERATE on all aspects at elevations above 7,000' on slopes 30 to 35 degrees and steeper due to a mix of wind slabs, persistent slabs, and storm slabs. Large persistent slab avalanches are possible on true N aspects in the northern portion of the forecast area. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2016-11-21 |
November 21, 2016 at 16:32 Early season conditions report #3 Very wide variances in snowcover exist around the forecast area. Some locations have 3 feet and good coverage, others are 4 to 10 inches and are too rocky to ski/board/snowmobile. Daily avalanche advisories will resume in the coming weeks as conditions dictate on a regional scale. More storms are expected this week and avalanches can happen. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2016-11-18 |
November 18, 2016 at 15:03 Early Season Conditions Report #2 Very little snow currently exists throughout the forecast area for over the snow travel. Daily avalanche advisories will resume in either late November or December as conditions dictate. Be prepared for changing conditions and increasing avalanche danger as more storms impact our region. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2016-11-03 |
November 3, 2016 at 17:06 Early Season Conditions Report #1 Shallow snowcover exists in a few protions of the forecast area that is barely sufficient for over snow travel. The vast majority of the forecast area is covered in very little to no snow. Daily avalanche advisories will resume in either November or December as conditions dictate. Until then, be conservative, travel with companion rescue and emergency bivy gear, and take a strategic approach just as you would mid winter. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2016-10-15 |
October 15, 2016 at 20:34 General Fall Avalanche Statement As rain and high elevation snowfall return to the forecast area, an early season foray into or below snow covered avalanche terrain is not out of the question. Be smart, gear up, and take a strategic approach just as you would mid winter. Really, it is time to focus on continuing education and dusting off previously learned knowledge before winter really arrives. Daily avalanche advisories will resume in either November or December as conditions dictate. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2016-10-03 |
October 3, 2016 at 6:19 Glad to see that you are starting to think about winter. We are just starting to reawaken the avalanche forecasting program for the uncoming season. Head to the California Avalanche Workshop for your all important continuing education. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2016-04-18 |
April 18, 2016 at 6:49 We have stopped issuing daily avalanche advisories for the 2015-2016 season. Avalanche advisories will resume in the fall of 2016. Avalanche activity can and most likely will continue to occur this spring. This will occur with continued daily wet snow melt-freeze cycles and 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 2016-04-17 |
April 17, 2016 at 6:28 Early this morning, avalanche danger is LOW for all elevations and aspects. Areas of MODERATE avalanche danger will form on slopes 35 degrees and steeper on all aspects at all elevations as loose wet avalanche problems develop in response to rapid daytime warming. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2016-04-16 |
April 16, 2016 at 6:40 Early this morning, avalanche danger is LOW for all elevations and aspects. Areas of MODERATE avalanche danger will form at all elevations and on all aspects on slopes 35 degrees and steeper as loose wet avalanche problems develop in response to daytime warming. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2016-04-15 |
April 15, 2016 at 6:46 Moderate avalanche danger exists for all elevations and aspects on slopes 35 degrees and steeper due to wind slab and loose wet avalanche problems. Locations in the northern portion of the forecast area will be most prone to these avalanche problems today. Locations in the southern portion of the forecast area where little to no new snow accumulated over the past 36 hours will have more limited loose wet avalanche problems today and no wind slab avalanche problems. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2016-04-14 |
April 14, 2016 at 7:10 MODERATE avalanche danger could exist on NW-N-NE-E-SE aspects due to a combination of wind slabs in near and above treeline areas and loose dry avalanches. Today's avalanche activity should remain small due to the amount of new snow, but some avalanches could cause problems for backcountry travelers especially north of Tahoe City or near terrain traps. If the sun breaks through the clouds, today some small isolated loose wet avalanches could occur on the near and below treeline SE-S-SW aspects. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2016-04-13 |
April 13, 2016 at 7:03 LOW avalanche danger exists this morning. Some slopes steeper than 35 degrees on the E-SE-S-SW-W aspects may see enough sunshine and warming for the avalanche danger to increase to MODERATE due to the possibility of loose wet avalanches. Loose wet activity may also become possible on some NW-N-NE aspects in near and below treeline terrain if the sun hits those slopes. If more cloud cover persists today, loose wet snow will remain more isolated since less melting will occur.
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2016-04-12 |
April 12, 2016 at 6:58 Loose wet avalanches will remain possible all day today on slopes steeper than 35 degrees on all aspects and elevations. These loose wet avalanches will keep the avalanche danger at MODERATE for today. Some of the loose wet avalanches could involve enough snow to threaten backcountry travelers. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully. Identify and avoid the areas where unsupportable deep wet snow exists. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2016-04-11 |
April 11, 2016 at 6:43 MODERATE avalanche danger continues for all elevations and aspects on slopes 35 degrees and steeper due to ongoing loose wet avalanche problems. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully. Identify and avoid steep terrain where unsupportable deep wet snow exists. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2016-04-10 |
April 10, 2016 at 6:43 MODERATE avalanche danger continues for all aspects below 9,000' on slopes 35 degrees and steeper due to ongoing loose wet avalanche problems. The minimal amount of new snow that has deposited under light wind conditions over the upper elevations is not expected to have created new avalanche problems. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully. Identify and avoid the areas where unsupportable deep wet snow exists. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2016-04-09 |
April 9, 2016 at 6:42 MODERATE avalanche danger continues for all aspects below 9,500' on slopes 35 degrees and steeper due to ongoing loose wet avalanche problems. Little to no snow surface refreeze is expected to have occurred last night. The minimal amount of new snow that deposits over the highest elevations today is not expected to create new avalanche problems. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully. Identify and avoid the areas where wet snow depth is sufficient for loose wet avalanches to occur. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2016-04-08 |
April 8, 2016 at 7:00 MODERATE danger already exists on slopes steeper than 35 degrees on all aspects and elevations due to the presence of unfrozen loose wet snow. MODERATE danger will persist throughout the day as more loose wet snow forms resulting from daytime warming and rain impacting the area. Loose wet avalanches large enough to threaten backcountry travelers will be possible again today. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully. Identify and avoid the areas where wet snow deep enough for loose wet avalanches exists. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2016-04-07 |
April 7, 2016 at 7:01 MODERATE danger will quickly form on slopes steeper than 35 degrees on all aspects and elevations starting in the mid morning hours with the E-SE-S-SW aspects that receive morning sun. This warming should continue onto the W-NW-N-NE aspects during the day. Loose wet avalanches large enough to threaten backcountry travelers will be possible again today. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully. Identify and avoid the areas where wet snow deep enough for loose wet avalanches exists. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2016-04-06 |
April 6, 2016 at 6:58 After a short window of LOW danger early this morning, MODERATE danger will form on slopes steeper than 35 degrees on all aspects and elevations starting in the mid morning hours with the most sun-exposed aspects and progressing to other aspects during the day. Loose wet avalanches large enough to threaten backcountry travelers will be possible again today. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully. Identify and avoid the areas where wet snow deep enough for loose wet avalanches exists. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2016-04-05 |
April 5, 2016 at 6:42 Early this morning LOW avalanche danger exists for all elevations and aspects. Starting during the mid to late morning hours and progressing through the rest of the day, MODERATE avalanche danger will form on all aspects and elevations on slopes 35 degrees and steeper due to potential wet snow avalanches. It is best to avoid travel in avalanche terrain during the afternoon hours. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2016-04-04 |
April 4, 2016 at 6:48 MODERATE avalanche danger will exist this morning and continue through the afternoon hours for all elevations and aspects on slope 35 degrees and steeper due to loose wet avalanche problems. Cloud cover last night is expected to have kept overnight snow surface refreeze from occurring in many areas. A period of LOW avalanche danger with supportable snow surface conditions may not exist this morning. A possible wet slab avalanche occurred yesterday in the Mount Rose area. Details are limited. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2016-04-03 |
April 3, 2016 at 6:45 Very early this morning while the snow surface remains frozen, LOW avalanche danger exists for all elevations and aspects. Areas of MODERATE avalanche danger will form quickly in response to snow surface melt as the morning progresses. Starting during the mid to late morning hours, human triggered loose wet avalanche activity will become possible on all aspects at all elevations on slopes 35 degrees and steeper. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2016-04-02 |
April 2, 2016 at 6:47 MODERATE avalanche danger will quickly form on slopes steeper than 35 degrees on E-SE-S-SW-W aspects at all elevations and may form on some sun-exposed near and below treeline NW-N-NE aspects as daytime warming makes loose wet avalanches possible again today. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully. Identify and avoid the areas where wet snow deep enough for loose wet avalanches exists. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2016-04-01 |
April 1, 2016 at 6:53 MODERATE avalanche danger will form on slopes steeper than 35 degrees on E-SE-S-SW-W aspects at all elevations and may form on some sun-exposed near and below treeline NW-N-NE aspects as daytime warming makes loose wet avalanches possible again today. Clues like sinking into wet snow above your boot tops or small point releases, roller balls, or pinwheels can help determine when to move to more frozen aspects, onto lower angle slopes, or to switch to a different afternoon activity. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2016-03-31 |
March 31, 2016 at 6:59 Loose wet avalanches will become possible today due to daytime warming. MODERATE avalanche danger will form on slopes steeper than 35 degrees on E-SE-S-SW-W aspects at all elevations and may form on some below treeline NW-N-NE aspects. Clues like sinking into wet snow above your boot tops or small point releases, roller balls, or pinwheels can help determine when to move to more frozen aspects, onto lower angle slopes, or to switch to a different afternoon activity. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2016-03-30 |
March 30, 2016 at 6:50 Low danger exists on all aspects and elevations this morning. As daytime warming occurs and as slopes receive direct sun, avalanche danger will rise to Moderate on E-SE-S-SW-W aspects due to the possibility of loose wet avalanches. Most of these loose wet avalanches will be in the form of point releases, pinwheels, and roller balls. Evaluate terrain and monitor changing conditions in your area. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2016-03-29 |
March 29, 2016 at 6:59 Moderate avalanche danger could exist on NE-E-SE-S-SW-W aspects near and above treeline due to newly forming wind slabs. These wind slabs should be limited mainly north of Hwy 50 where we received more snow in the last 24 hours. Loose wet avalanches are unlikely today but could occur if we receive large periods of sun and less cloud cover than forecasted. Adjust terrain choices and route selection according to localized conditions. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2016-03-28 |
March 28, 2016 at 6:58 Snowfall amounts and avalanche danger will vary greatly around the forecast area today. Adjust terrain choices and route selection according to localized conditions. Near and above treeline on NW-N-NE-E-SE-S aspects on slopes 35 degrees and steeper, avalanche danger could range from LOW danger to CONSIDERABLE danger based on the size of newly formed wind slabs. Below treeline, avalanche danger could range from LOW danger to MODERATE danger on all aspects on slopes 35 degrees and steeper based on snowfall. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2016-03-27 |
March 27, 2016 at 6:45 Early this morning, LOW avalanche danger exists for all elevations and aspects. Areas of MODERATE avalanche danger are expected to form in response to daytime warming on E-SE-S-SW-W aspects at all elevations and on NW-N-NE aspects below 8,000' to 8,500'. Loose wet avalanches are possible today. Avalanche size could be large enough to bury a person, especially if a terrain trap is involved. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2016-03-26 |
March 26, 2016 at 7:00 MODERATE avalanche danger will form on slopes steeper than 35 degrees on E-SE-S-SW-W aspects at all elevations and may form on some near and below treeline NW-N-NE aspects as loose wet avalanches become possible today. Some loose wet snow avalanches could entrain enough snow to pose a threat to backcountry travelers. Once deep wet snow exists on a slope, it is time to move to more frozen aspects, onto lower angle slopes, or to switch to a different afternoon activity. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2016-03-25 |
March 25, 2016 at 6:51 LOW avalanche danger exists this morning, but MODERATE avalanche danger will form on sun-exposed E-SE-S-SW-W aspects steeper than 35 degrees at all elevations as last night's refreeze melts. Loose wet avalanches will become possible due to daytime warming today. Enough warming may also occur on the low elevation NW-N-NE aspects for some loose wet activity as well. Some loose wet snow avalanches could entrain enough snow to pose a threat to backcountry travelers especially in areas where terrain traps exist. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2016-03-24 |
March 24, 2016 at 6:53 MODERATE avalanche danger will form on sun-exposed E-SE-S-SW-W aspects steeper than 35 degrees at all elevations as loose wet avalanches become possible due to daytime warming today. Enough warming may also occur on the low elevation NW-N-NE aspects for some loose wet activity as well. Some loose wet snow avalanches could entrain enough snow to pose a threat to backcountry travelers today especially in areas where terrain traps exist. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully and identify features of concern. |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2016-03-23 |
March 23, 2016 at 6:50 As daytime warming occurs, moderate avalanche danger will become possible on E-SE-S-SW-W aspects at all elevations due to loose wet avalanche problems. With overnight and continuing NE winds through today, wind slabs could exist and develop on SE-S-SW-W-NW aspects near and above treeline. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully, identify features of concern, |
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Click here to see the full forecast for 2016-03-22 |
March 22, 2016 at 6:50 Considerable avalanche danger exists on NW-N-NE-E-SE aspects near and above treeline on slopes steeper than 35 degrees due to newly formed wind slabs. Moderate avalanche danger exists on all other aspects and elevations. New snow, gale force winds and continuing winds throughout the day will make wind slabs grow larger and be sensitive to triggering. Natural avalanches are possible with human triggered avalanches likely today. |