Avoid steep slopes that have been loaded by recent wind.
Recent strong northeast winds have formed slabs across many aspects and elevations. Expect the most reactive slabs in immediate lee terrain.
Watch for shifting wind direction on Thursday which could form new slabs on different aspects.
Extensive snow transport was observed during Monday’s outflow winds. While no avalanches have been reported recently, this event and ongoing winds are likely forming triggerable slabs across many elevations and aspects.
Strong, shifting winds have heavily affected alpine and treeline terrain, building wind slabs on many aspects and in some places extending into the trees.
More than 100 cm of heavy snow fell last week, which has strengthened the snowpack and reduced the chance of triggering older layers from early December (which include buried surface hoar and crusts).
Snowpack depths exceed 350 cm at treeline.
Wednesday Night
Clear skies. 10-30 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -11 °C.
Thursday
Mostly sunny. 20-30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -9 °C.
Friday
Mix of sun and clouds. 20-30 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -12 °C.
Saturday
Mix of sun and clouds. 2 to 3 cm of snow. 30-50 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -16 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
