Cool temps will persist for the next few days, make sure you come prepared with extra layers. Keep new windslabs in mind when traveling in lee areas or at ridgecrest.
We are forecast to have moderate to strong ridgetop winds through to Saturday afternoon, this will likely continue building wind slabs in lee features.
On Friday the field team observed evidence of a natural avalanche cycle from the past week, numerous loose dry avalanches up to size 1.5 in steep terrain and a few wind slab avalanches up to size 2.
Up to 40 cm of recent storm snow has been redistributed into windslabs by moderate to strong SW winds. The recent storm snow remains unconsolidated below treeline and in sheltered treeline areas. This overlies the January drought layer which includes facetted snow on northerly aspects or a melt freeze crust below treeline and on steep solar slopes into the alpine. Generally, the snowpack has become weak and facetted.
Snowpack depths at treeline range from 50 - 120 cm.
Cool temperatures and light snow continue over the next few days with the arctic air pushing down. See table below for details.
Check out the Mountain Weather Forecast for the most up to date information.
