If you are increasing your exposure to avalanche terrain, do it gradually as you gather information. Dry, wind-affected snow may remain triggerable by riders.
Recent snow fell with strong winds. Expect fresh slabs to be the largest and most reactive at higher elevations in wind-loaded terrain.
Observations from the storm have been limited by poor visibility. Loose wet avalanches up to size 2 were observed below treeline on Saturday.
The upper snowpack contains a combination of moist or wet snow, crusts, and at upper elevations may be topped with dry, wind snow. Below 1600 m, expect crusty surfaces.
A crust buried in February exists at variable depths, generally 50 to 120 cm below the surface. For the most part, it is well bonded to the surrounding snow but in isolated, wind-sheltered areas, weak surface hoar crystals may sit atop this crust.
The remainder of the snowpack is consolidated with no other significant layers of concern.
Sunday Night
Partly cloudy. 2 to 5 cm of snow. 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -9 °C.
Monday
Mostly cloudy. 1 to 2 cm of snow. 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.
Tuesday
Mix of sun and clouds. 4 to 5 cm of snow. 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -9 °C.
Wednesday
Mix of sun and clouds. 2 to 5 cm of snow. 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
