Watch for windloading in unusual places. Recent moderate to strong NE winds have pushed previous low density surface snow into slopes that aren't typically loaded.
Recent strong NE winds have created wind effect in all open terrain. These may be particularly reactive where they sit on a crust. Warming temps and intense sun may also make the upper snowpack more reactive.
Warming temps and sunshine may trigger loose snow avalanches in steep solar terrain.
A few large natural avalanches from the steep terrain on Mt. MacDonald were observed Wednesday and Thursday.
There were two reported skier triggered avalanches recently. One on Terminal Pk and the other in the Connaught drainage. They were both slabs within the recent storm snow that ran approximately 150 meters.
Strong NE winds Thursday redistributed the 20-40cms of low density snow we'd been enjoying.
A buried crust (widespread below 2500m), sits under windslabs in lees, and has been stripped of snow on ridges.
Warm temps have strengthened the mid and lower snowpack. Except in the high alpine, where the snowpack remains unusally shallow and weak.
Travel remains rugged below treeline, with a variety of firm crusts, frozen avalanche debris, and shallow snowpack hazards.
High pressure continues until Sunday.
Tonight: Mostly clear. Alpine low -7°C. Light E ridgetop winds.
Saturday: A mix of sun and cloud. Alpine high -1°C. Light SE wind. Freezing level (FZL) 1800m.
Sunday: Isolated flurries. Low -7°C, High -2°C. Light SW wind. FZL 1400m.
Monday: Isolated flurries mixed with sunny periods. Low -7°C, High -3°C. Light SE wind. FZL 1500m.
