Reactive wind slabs may exist on all aspects at treeline and above.
Whumpfing and shooting cracks in the snowpack are indicators of unstable conditions.
Gusty winds are impacting any loose snow, variable winds may have reverse-loaded features. Watch for reactive deposits around ridges or lee features.
No recent observations reported. On Thursday reports saw rapid wind slab development throughout the day, including reports of a few size 1-2 natural and rider-triggered avalanches, and skiers seeing shooting cracks at treeline and below (MIN).
In some areas surface hoar and/or facets are buried 10 to 20 cm below the surface snow.
30 to 50 cm of wind-affected snow rests on a thick rain crust. Recent strong winds have varied in direction, building wind slabs on all aspects at upper elevations.
Treeline snow depth range from 200-280 cm. The lower snowpack has no layers of concern.
Friday night
Cloudy, with isolated flurries. 25 to 55 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C and alpine temperatures near 0 °C due to a weak, above freezing layer.
Saturday
Cloudy. 35 to 70 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C and alpine temperatures +2 °C.
Sunday
Snow 5 to 10 cm. 35 to 55 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 1000 m.
Monday
Snow 10 to 15 cm. 30 to 80 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 1000 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
