Warm temps and strong sun will cause cornices to fail and initiate wet loose avalanches.
Expect these larger triggers increase the likelihood of releasing the persistent slab.
Up to 20 cm of recent snow has formed slabs in wind-loaded areas at upper elevations. These slabs have been most reactive where they overlie a crust.
Very large natural persistent slab avalanches have recently been reported, primarily on northerly aspects in the alpine.
Wet loose avalanches are likely on steep solar slopes when the sun is strong.
On the surface, up to 30 cm of recent snow exists on northerly aspects in the alpine. Solar aspects and lower elevations will sport a crust or moist snow.
Below this, a 5 to 25 cm variable strength crust from last week's rain event is present. This is capping a moist upper snowpack.
The primary weak layer of concern is a surface hoar, facet, and crust layer from early March, buried 60 to 120 cm deep.
The lower snowpack is generally well-settled and strong in most areas.
Saturday Night
Clear. 15 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature rising to +2 °C. Freezing level rising to 2200 m.
Sunday
Increasing cloud in the afternoon. 30 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +6 °C. Freezing level 3000 m.
Monday
Mostly cloudy with light snow showers and rain 1 to 5 cm. 30 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +2 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.
Tuesday
Mix of sun and cloud. 30 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +2 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
