Snowfall is expected to ease on Wednesday, but strong, gusty winds will persist. Dangerous avalanche conditions are likely at higher elevations.
New snow, accompanied by strong southwest alpine winds, continues to accumulate atop a widespread crust. Slabs will be most reactive on wind-loaded slopes.
No avalanche activity has been reported since a significant avalanche cycle occurred last week.
If you are heading into the backcountry, please share your observations by posting a MIN.
Approximately 10 to 40 cm of recent snow overlies a thin crust in most areas at elevations of 2000 m and below. Below this crust, moist snow may persist, particularly at lower elevations. In exposed terrain at higher elevations, recent snow has been heavily wind-affected.
A thicker crust buried earlier in March is present 50 to 80 cm below the surface at treeline and below. The early February crust is found at depths of 100 to 160 cm. These deeper layers are not currently a concern.
The remainder of the snowpack is generally well settled and bonded.
Tuesday Night
Cloudy. 5 to 15 cm of snow. 50 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -15 °C.
Wednesday
Mostly cloudy. 2 to 4 cm of snow. 20 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -16 °C.
Thursday
Mix of sun and clouds. 1 to 2 cm of snow. 20 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -16 °C.
Friday
Mostly cloudy. 5 to 15 cm of snow. 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
