Sugarbowl

If you are increasing your exposure to avalanche terrain, do it gradually as you gather information. Wind slabs at upper elevations may remain triggerable by riders.

Moderate

• We are uncertain about how quickly the snowpack will recover and gain strength.

Observations of avalanche activity during the recent storm on the weekend include:

• A widespread wind slab cycle on north to east aspects at upper elevations

• A loose wet cycle up to size 2 below treeline.

10-20 cm of dry snow accumulates over a wind-sculpted landscape and crust below 1600m.

A crust buried in February exists at variable depths, generally 100 to 160 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.

Monday Night
Partly cloudy. 2 to 5 cm of snow. 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -9 °C.

Tuesday
Mostly cloudy. 1 to 5 cm of snow. 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -9 °C.

Wednesday
Mostly cloudy. 4 to 5 cm of snow. 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -9 °C.

Thursday
Mix of sun and clouds. 3 to 5 cm of snow. 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• If you are increasing your exposure to avalanche terrain, do it gradually as you gather information.
• Be alert to conditions that change with elevation, aspect, and exposure to wind.
• Watch for areas of hard wind slab on alpine features.