Wind increasing Sunday night with 15 cm forecast Monday. Current observations and outlook support moderate danger, but more snow or stronger wind than forecast will increase danger to considerable. Users should stay observant to local snow, loading and changing conditions tomorrow.
SW winds increased into the moderate range with strong gusts Sunday afternoon, building wind slabs in lee alpine terrain by Sunday evening. An additional 10 to 15 cm of new snow is forecast for Monday, combined with continued strong SW winds. This will further build and thicken wind slabs.
With new snow and wind approaching on Monday the dry loose problem will likely still be active. Consider your exposure to terrain traps and gullies on Monday.
Sunshine patrol reported triggering several small windslabs with one as big as size 2 with explosives. Otherwise no avalanches were observed or reported on Sunday.
15 to 25 cm of recent snow overlays sun crusts on solar aspects and scoured alpine terrain. Winds picking up tonight will redistribute this snow and build fresh slabs in lee areas. Up to 15 cm more is forecast tomorrow, adding further load.
In some areas the Jan 24 surface hoar or crust is 25 to 35 cm down at treeline and below. Check before committing to bigger terrain. Snowpack below is generally strong and settled.
A return to seasonal temperatures is expected, with valley temperatures around -2 and ridge temperatures near -10. Up to 15 cm of new snow is forecast Monday, depending on the model, accompanied by strong SW winds. These conditions will build fresh wind slabs.
