Good riding can still be found on high-elevation shady terrain.
The field data upon which we build this forecast is limited this time of year; continually assess conditions as you travel and adjust objectives, terrain choices, and travel techniques to match your local conditions.
With recent wind, and various amounts of new snow, anticipate fresh wind slab development. Watch for these wind slab pockets, primarily in steep north and east-facing leeward slopes.
A weak layer of facets exists near the base of the snowpack. Thinner snowpack areas and areas with variable thick and thin coverage at alpine elevations is where this problem is most likely found. April's warming temperatures may gradually increase the sensitivity of this layer, especially in thin snowpack areas.
No new avalanches have been reported since last week.
On north aspects above 1600 m, recent snow is settling over old, sugary, faceted grains, now around 30-70 cm deep.
On solar aspects to mountain top, and north aspects to around 2000m the recent snow either overlies a widespread melt-freeze crust or there is a crust at the surface. Solar aspects are becoming moist in the afternoon, as are all aspects at lower elevations (around 1700 or 1800 m).
The middle of the snowpack is generally well-settled and strong. A weak layer of facets at the base of the snowpack remains a concern, primarily in alpine terrain with shallow or variable (thick and thin) snowpack depths.
Monday Night
Mostly clear. Moderate southwest ridgetop winds. Treeline temperature around -5 C.
Tuesday
Mostly clear with increasing cloud. Moderate southeast winds. Treeline temperatures 0 to -5 C. Freezing level 1900 m.
Wednesday
Mostly cloudy, with flurries beginning in the afternoon. Moderate east ridgetop winds. Treeline temperatures 0 to -5 C. Freezing level 2000 m.
Thursday
Cloudy with scattered flurries. Moderate east ridgetop winds. Treeline temperatures 0 to -5 C. Freezing level 1700 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
