Carefully assess snow conditions as you move through terrain. Storm slabs are most likely to remain reactive where recent precipitation fell as dry snow. The largest and most reactive slabs will be found on lee and cross loaded features.
Storm slabs are most likely to be most reactive above 1400 m, where dry storm snow has been wind-loaded into deep slabs in lee terrain features. Heavy, moist snow between 1000-1400 m may remain reactive to rider triggers but is expected to bond quickly.
On Friday and Saturday, avalanche activity included natural and human triggered size 1-2; storm slabs and loose dry at dry upper elevations and wet slabs and loose wet at lower elevations where precipitation fell as wet snow or rain.
Around 25-50 cm of heavy, wet new snow exists between 1000-1400 m. Above 1400 m, dry snow has likely been redistributed into deeper deposits on north-facing terrain features by strong southerly winds. Below 1000 m, rain has saturated the snowpack.
The storm snow sits over a melt-freeze crust at mid-elevations, and over settling dry snow at high elevations on shaded slopes. The middle and lower snowpack is strong and well-bonded.
Sunday night
Cloudy with a few flurries possible. Strong southwest winds easing to moderate. Alpine low -2 C. Freezing level around 900 m.
Monday
Mostly cloudy. Trace amounts of snow possible. Light to moderate southwest winds. Alpine high -1 C. Freezing level around 1100 m.
Tuesday
A mix of sun and cloud. Light southwest winds. Trace amounts of snow possible. Alpine high -2 C. Freezing levels around 1000 m.
Wednesday
Mostly sunny. Light southwest winds. Alpine high 0 C. Freezing levels around 1200 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
