Wind slabs at higher elevations may be reactive to human triggers especially where a wintry snowpack exists.
South-southwesterly winds have produced isolated pockets of wind slab around ridges and in the immediate lee of slopes. Cornices may be touchy, give them plenty of space.
Rising freezing levels and rain at lower elevations may initiate loose wet avalanches.
THURSDAY: Mainly cloudy with light precipitation. Alpine temperatures near -4 and freezing levels 2000 m. Ridgetop winds moderate from the southwest.
FRIDAY: Mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries. Alpine temperatures near -3 and freezing levels 1400 m. Ridgetop wind moderate from the West.
SATURDAY: Cloudy with sunny periods. Alpine temperatures near -6 and freezing levels 1600 m. Ridgetop wind moderate to strong from the West.
No new avalanches reported on Wednesday.
If you have any recent observations during your travels, we would greatly appreciate it. If you posted a photo or any other information to the Mountain Information Network (MIN), thanks!
In the alpine, up to 10 cm cold wind-affected snow is holding onto northerly aspects. Southerly winds have produced isolated wind slabs around ridges and in the immediate lee features at upper elevations. Cornices have been failing recently.
Recent precipitation fell as rain upwards of 1800 m which has re-frozen as a crust well into the alpine on southerly aspects and all aspects below. Warm overnight temperatures will prevent crust recovery as you lose elevation. Expect thin surface crusts to break down quickly with daytime warming and rain.
