Triggering an avalanche is most likely in shallow, rocky areas where the snowpack transitions from thick to thin.
Rider triggerable wind slabs could still linger in the alpine. If triggered, wind slabs may step down to deeper layers, causing larger avalanches.
A faceted lower snowpack presents a persistent slab problem. This problem may be triggered by the weight of a rider in shallow snowpack areas or on features where the snowpack transitions from thick to thin.
Over the past few days, there has been evidence of large cornice falls and wind slabs up to size 2. A very large size 3 cornice-triggered slab that may have run on a persistent weak layer also occurred just outside the bulletin area on Saturday.
Previous strong wind has created hard, pressed surfaces, wind slab, and sustrugi in exposed terrain. That being said, we’ve received reports of good riding on faceted northeast facing slopes and sheltered terrain at lower elevations.
The lower snowpack is faceted, particularly in shallow areas or on slopes where the snowpack transitions from thick to thin.
Tuesday Night
Mostly cloudy. 10 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -9 °C.
Wednesday
Mostly cloudy. 10 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -9 °C.
Thursday
Mix of sun and clouds. 10 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -9 °C.
Friday
Mix of sun and clouds. 1 cm of snow. 20 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
