Human-triggered avalanches remain possible after a week of snow accumulating over a crust and periods of strong wind.
Recent southwest winds have created highly variable snow distribution, with the most reactive and largest slabs expected in wind-loaded areas where recent snow sits over a crust.
We do not have any recent reports of avalanches, but suspect recent avalanche activity has occurred in the alpine during periods of rapid loading from heavy snow and/or wind transport.
If you are heading into the backcountry, please share any observations with the Mountain Information Network.
Approximately 60 to 100 cm of snow has accumulated over the past week, burying a widespread crust at treeline and below. In alpine terrain, this crust is likely thin or absent. Periods of strong southwesterly wind have redistributed the new snow in exposed areas at higher elevations.
A crust with facets may exist 100 to 200 cm below the surface, primarily on northerly aspects at higher elevations. This layer appears unreactive but continues to be monitored.
The remaining snowpack appears strong and well-bonded.
Saturday Night
Partly cloudy. 1 cm of snow. 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -9 °C.
Sunday
Mix of sun and clouds. 1 cm of snow. 20 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.
Monday
Cloudy. 10 to 20 cm of snow. 70 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.
Tuesday
Mostly cloudy. 15 to 45 mm of rain at treeline. 80 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 2 °C. Freezing level 2300 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
