GNFAC Avalanche Forecast for Fri Mar 28, 2025
This is Ian Hoyer with the avalanche forecast on Friday, March 28th, at 7:00 a.m., sponsored by Stronghold Fabrication, Alpine Orthopedics & Sports Medicine and Bridger Bowl. This forecast does not apply to operating ski areas.
Temperatures this morning are up to 10 degrees cooler than yesterday morning, but still fairly warm, in the high 20s and 30s F. Winds are 15-25 mph out of the west, south, and southeast. Skies are mostly cloudy and there hasn’t been any precipitation yet.
The sun may come out for a bit this morning, but by this afternoon it’ll be cloudy across the whole area and a few snowflakes may fall (and maybe raindrops at lower elevations). High temperatures will be 5 to 10 degrees lower than yesterday, in the 30s and 40s F. Winds will remain moderate, mostly blowing out of the south and west.
A dusting up to an inch or two of new snow may accumulate overnight. Temperatures will be much cooler tomorrow, with more substantial snowfall starting tomorrow night.
Wet loose avalanches are the primary concern today. Cooler temperatures this morning and lower forecasted high temperatures make me a bit less concerned about wet snow today, but we’re not completely out of the woods yet.
Cloudy skies overnight and above freezing air temperatures mean that there will only be a thin crust, if any, on the snow surface this morning. In some areas the snowpack hasn’t refrozen in two or three days. High temperatures aren’t supposed to be quite as crazy as they’ve been the last couple days, but they will still be quite warm. If the sun does come out from behind the clouds this morning (as forecasted), melting will begin rapidly and any crust that did form overnight will quickly start to break down.
Stay on alert for signs of wet snow. If you’re travelling on top of a firm crust, wet snow concerns are minor. If you’re breaking through into wet glop, that means it’s time to get off steep slopes. Pay attention to what’s above you, as one of the main threats of wet loose avalanches is having one start naturally above you, often from near exposed rocks.
Snow on shady slopes at high elevations has stayed cold and dry, but you’ll have to really hunt to find soft snow today.
Avalanche danger is MODERATE.
Much cooler temperatures (below freezing in most places this morning) mean that wet loose avalanches are only a minor concern. Pay attention if you’re breaking through surface crusts into wet snow. In general, I expect the snowpack to be on its way towards refreezing and locking up. Sunshine this morning may melt the snow surface a bit, but I anticipate any wet loose sluffs to be small and only a concern in the most exposed terrain.
The snowpack is generally stable. You might be able to find a wind slab somewhere that hasn’t completely bonded yet, but after days of warm temperatures this concern is also isolated at best.
Tooth rattling riding conditions and the potential for long falls on firm, refrozen surfaces are likely the real primary hazards today.
Large avalanches are unlikely and the avalanche danger is LOW.
Eastern Oregon University is conducting a survey to better understand avalanche safety preparedness among motorized backcountry users like you. Your feedback will help us learn more about who is purchasing and practicing with avalanche rescue gear (beacon, probe, shovel) and participating in avalanche education. The survey is confidential and anonymous.
Your feedback is invaluable; please take a moment to share your experience and help us make a difference.