The upper snowpack continues to adjust to the recent spring-like weather. Watch for surface snow turning wet and be wary of cornices.
In shallower snowpack areas there are a series of crusts and facets through the mid-snowpack. A large trigger, such as a cornice fall or a smaller avalanche in motion, could trigger a very large avalanche on one of these deeply buried weak layers.
Strong solar radiation and warm temperatures may still produce moist surface snow and a wet-loose avalanche hazard. As temperatures drop and a crust forms this problem will disappear.
Over the weekend a number of loose wet avalanches to size 2.5 were observed on east to southwest aspects. As well as a couple of natural cornice failures.
If you head out in the backcountry, let us know what you are seeing by submitting a report to the Mountain Information Network.
A melt-freeze crust has formed on all aspects at treeline and below and solar aspects at all elevations. Up to 40 cm of dry, unconsolidated powder snow remains on the surface in northerly-facing terrain in the alpine.
In shallower snowpack areas the mid and lower snowpack is dominated by a series of crusts and facets. While the mid and lower snowpack in deeper areas is generally settled and bonding, with minimal concerns.
Monday night
Cloudy, clearing by the morning. Treeline temperatures 0 to -5 C. Light east ridgetop winds. Freezing levels 1000 m.
Tuesday
Sunny. Treeline temperatures around 0 C. Light east ridgetop winds. Freezing levels 1900 m.
Wednesday
Sunny. Treeline temperatures around 0 C. Light southerly ridgetop winds. Freezing levels 1900 m.
Thursday
Mix of sun and cloud, with a chance of isolated flurries. Treeline temperatures 0 to -5 C. Light southerly ridgetop winds. Freezing levels 1500 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
