Dangerous conditions persist. Manage the uncertainty around buried weak layers by sticking to low-angle terrain, avoiding overhead hazard, and communicating with groups around you.
Recent storm snow may still react as a slab in wind affected features at higher elevations. Watch for deeper and more reactive slabs near ridgelines.
Recent north winds mean new slabs may be found on a range of aspects.
Buried weak layers are most concerning at treeline elevations. Small avalanches may step down to this layer resulting in very large, destructive avalanches.
Active avalanche conditions continue!
Monday, natural avalanches to size 2 were observed on north and west facing slopes at treeline with crowns up to 1 m. Reports included more evidence of the natural cycle to size 3, likely due to sun.
On Tuesday, several observers noted a new size 2.5 slab release from Cowboy Ridge, although details of the occurrence are limited.
MIN users continue to report remotely triggered avalanches. Check out the many recent MINs from this week!
A thin melt-freeze crust likely exists on solar aspects as a result of Tuesday's sunshine. Where crust formation hasn't inhibited wind transport, elevated winds, recently northerly, have been redistributing surface snow.
Under the evolving surface, 120 -160 cm of progressively resistant or 'right side up' storm snow is continuing to settle above the problematic crust/facet/surface hoar layer beneath it. This layer continues to show sensitivity to human triggers, and is most concerning at treeline elevations where weak grains like facets and surface hoar are more easily preserved.
Wednesday night
Partly cloudy. 5 - 15 km/h northwest alpine winds. Freezing level at valley bottom.
Thursday
Partly sunny with increasing cloud and flurries beginning overnight. 10 - 25 km/h southwest alpine winds. Treeline temperature -6 °C with freezing level around 900 m.
Friday
Cloudy with increasing snowfall bringing 20-30 cm of new snow, including overnight amounts. 50 - 70 km/h south alpine winds. Treeline temperature -2 °C with freezing level around 1200 m.
Saturday
Cloudy with continuing heavy snowfall bringing 15-20 cm of new snow and 2-day totals to 60 - 90 cm. 40 - 100 km south alpine winds, easing. Treeline temperature -4 °C with freezing level around 1100 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
