Wet avalanches remain a concern in the sun and warmth.
Large cornice falls may trigger deeper layers on the slopes below. Be cautious of overhead hazard.
As temperatures rise and sun prevails, expect the large and weakening cornices to collapse. Give a wide berth to cornices and be very aware of overhead hazard.
Rising temperatures and full sun will create ideal conditions for loose wet avalanches. Watch for likely trigger points, like rocky outcrops where warming is most intense.
Evidence of a previous wet avalanche cycle was reported in the MIN from Saturday.
If you are heading into the backcountry, consider sharing your observations and posting a MIN.
While overnight cooling may produce a surface crust, snow surfaces will rapidly become moist/wet with sunshine and rising temperatures. High north facing slopes may still hold dry, cold snow. Give cornices a wide berth as temperatures rise.
Up to 45 cm of new snow has fallen over the past week and been redistributed by wind. In some areas, this snow overlies a melt-freeze crust, creating an ideal sliding surface. This new snow is settling and bonding with 50 cm of snow that is above a widespread, thick, and hard crust that exists everywhere except the highest alpine terrain.
The lower snowpack is generally strong and bonded.
Sunday Night
Clear skies. 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 7 °C. Freezing level 2800 m.
Monday
Sunny. 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 5 °C. Freezing level 2500 m.
Tuesday
Mostly sunny. 1 cm of snow. 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.
Wednesday
Mostly sunny. 10 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1400 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
