Sunny skies and above-freezing temperatures will increase the avalanche danger throughout the day.
Cohesive surface slabs formed by recent warming and/or wind sit over a crust and potentially weak surface hoar or facets. This is most problematic in areas where greater amounts (>20 cm) of recent snow have accumulated over the weak layer.
Clear skies and above-freezing temperatures throughout the day will weaken the upper snowpack and potentially lead to wet loose avalanche activity.
No new avalanches have been reported since last weekend, when a few small wind slab avalanches were reported around treeline elevations on north-facing terrain.
If you are heading into the backcountry, please share your observations with the Mountain Information Network.
Generally, refrozen, crusty surfaces are expected around treeline elevations and below. Snow surfaces in higher alpine terrain may remain dry and powdery, while some areas at lower elevations may experience moist surfaces if a full overnight refreeze does not occur.
Above-freezing temperatures and sunny skies will likely create moist surfaces in terrain at all aspects and elevations by Thursday afternoon.
A widespread layer of surface hoar, buried in late January, is present approximately 5 to 15 cm below the surface, overlying a crust and/or faceted snow.
The mid and lower snowpack is generally well settled, with no significant concerns.
Wednesday Night
Clear skies. 60 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 2 °C. Freezing level 3300 m.
Thursday
Sunny. 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 2 °C. Freezing level 3400 m.
Friday
Sunny. 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 2 °C. Freezing level 3000 m.
Saturday
Mostly sunny. 1 to 3 cm of snow. 60 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 1900 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
