A very widespread cycle of natural and skier triggered avalanches up to size 3 was observed Saturday. Steep slopes will remain primed for human triggering on Sunday. Make conservative terrain choices until the storm snow has a chance to bond.
Significant snowfall over the last week combined with two periods of strong to extreme wind has created widespread storm slabs in the alpine. These are primed for human triggering. Minimize exposure to large slopes and cornices in the alpine.
Lower elevations and South aspects will have a crust from Saturday, but intense solar inputs will weaken these crusts on Sunday allowing for wet loose avalanches later in the day. Travel and return early before things heat up.
Cool temperatures with freezing levels at valley bottom are expected Saturday night. Generally clear skies (lots of solar heating!) and light W winds are expected on Sunday. Monday looks similar with a bit more wind and slightly warmer temperatures.
60-100 cm of snow in the last week with snowpack depths reaching seasonal highs above 2000 m. Strong to extreme W winds with 20-40+ cm of snow on Friday created widespread storm slabs in alpine areas and sluffing in steep terrain. This recent snow sits on a variety of surfaces above treeline. Moist snow at lower elevations and on solar aspects.
On Saturday Visitor Safety staff observed widespread natural and skier triggered slab avalanches up to size 3 above 2000 m with 1-2 m thick crowns, especially on North and East aspects. Wet loose avalanches were observed to size 2 at lower elevations and steep south aspects, with sluffing on steep N aspects and several new cornice failures.
