Recent weather has created excellent conditions for slab avalanches.
Continued warming and precipitation may prolong this high-hazard period.
Weekend snowfall has produced storm slabs in sheltered areas. The new snow may not bond well to previous surfaces formed during last week's cold spell.
At higher elevations south southwest winds may have redistributed recent snow into wind slabs.
Be aware that buried weak layers may become reactive if smaller avalanches are triggered above them.
There have been few reports from our region but it is expected that there is a natural avalanche cycle occurring with these warm temperatures. There have been numerous reports to our immediate east of natural and human-triggered avalanches. Many of these human-triggered avalanches were a surprise to the individuals triggering them.
Warming temperatures and continued precipitation will increase the likelihood of avalanche activity.
Please consider submitting a MIN report if you head into the backcountry.
Warming temperatures accompanied by heavy snow and rain will affect the top 20 to 30 cm, of snow received this past weekend, and promote slab growth. At higher elevations, where it is colder, southeast to southwest winds has produced fresh wind slabs. Recent snow may not have bonded well to previous surfaces which vary in form from sugary faceted grains and small surface hoar crystals.
The majority of the snowpack is faceted, with roughly 110 cm found at treeline and less below treeline.
Monday Night
Cloudy, up to 12 cm accumulation in some areas with the possibility of rain or freezing rain, 30 km/h south to southeast wind, treeline temperatures -2 to 0 °C.
Tuesday
Cloudy, 5 to 15 cm accumulation with the possibility of rain or freezing rain, 30 to 45 km/h south wind gusting to 70, freezing level reaching between 1500 and 1700 m.
Wednesday
Cloudy, 4 to 8 cm accumulation, 25 km/h southwest wind gusting to 40, treeline temperatures -5 °C.
Thursday
Cloudy with sunny periods, trace accumulation, 15 to 20 km/h southeast wind, treeline temperatures -10 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
