Watch for unstable snow on isolated features: windslabs in the high alpine, and loose wet avalanches on steep slopes that face the sun.
Expect variable snowpack conditions as we transition from winter to spring.
New snow, combined with strong winds have built new windslabs in lees. Expect this problem to become sensitive to light triggers, once the temps rise. Human triggering remains possible on steep wind-loaded features.
Carefully evaluate for windslab hazard before committing to bigger features.
No new avalanches were reported before 4 pm on Monday.
We expect backcountry users will see evidence of numerous, small, wet loose avalanches triggered by the sun on steep solar slopes. Also, there may find small pockets of fresh windslab on exposed alpine ridges that could avalanche under the weight of a human.
If you have any observations from this region, let us know what you are seeing by submitting a report to the Mountain Information Network.
In the alpine and around treeline, 5-10 cm of new snow covers a frozen crust, with moist snow below.
The mid snowpack is generally settled and strong at treeline and above.
A melt-freeze crust that was buried in mid January can be found 60 to 100 cm below the snow surface.
A weak layer of large, sugary crystals persists at the base of the snowpack. This layer has not produced recent avalanche activity in this area, but professionals continue to monitor for signs of it becoming active.
Monday Night
Mainly clear. No new snow is expected. Light southerly ridgetop wind. Freezing levels drop to valley bottom overnight. Treeline low -5°C.
Tuesday
Mostly cloudy with scattered flurries in the afternoon, 3-6 cm accumulation. Light southeast ridgetop winds increase to moderate and switch to west in the afternoon. Freezing levels rise to 1700 m. Treeline high around -2 °C.
Wednesday
Mainly cloudy. Moderate to light northwest ridgetop wind. Freezing level falling to valley bottom at night and rising to 1600 m mid-day. Treeline high around -3 °C.
Thursday
Mainly cloudy with scattered flurries, 6 cm accumulations. Light northwest ridgetop wind. Freezing level falling to valley bottom at night and rising to 1500 m mid-day. Treeline high around -5 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
