Expect the sun and warm temperatures to rapidly unconsolidated the upper snowpack and promote the creation of both wet and dry loose avalanches.
The upper snowpack continues to adjust to the recent spring-like weather. Expect during periods of warming and clearing, that solar aspects will begin to produce small wet loose avalanches at all elevations.
On Wednesday , field teams reported several loose wet avalanches on south aspect terrain. Explosive avalanche control utilizing a large explosive on a steep north aspect incised rocky gulley feature produced a large (size 2.5) slab avalanche. This avalanche ran on an old melt freeze crust, was 100 cm deep at the crown and ran to the bottom of the run out.
Backcountry users will likely see evidence of a small wet loose avalanche cycle from recent rain and solar input below treeline.
If you head out in the backcountry, let us know what you are seeing by submitting a report to the Mountain Information Network.
In terrain above 1600 m up to 10 cm of preserved and wind affected dry snow is likely to exist. An established melt freeze crust can be found at elevations 1600 m and below, expect the new forecast snowfall to take a little time to bond to this old surface. At all elevations the mid and lower snowpack has a number of old melt freeze crusts that are unreactive and overall presents as consolidated, well settled and strong.
Saturday Night
Cloudy with flurries, 1 to 5 cm of accumulation. Moderate north winds at ridge top. Treeline temperature -6°C. Freezing levels descend to sea level.
Sunday
Cloudy with some afternoon clearing, no new precipitation. Moderate southeast winds at ridge top. Treeline temperature -1°C. Freezing levels rise to 1000 m.
Monday
Cloudy, becoming clear in the afternoon. No new precipitation. Moderate to strong southeast winds at ridge top. Treeline temperature 0°C. Freezing levels rise to 1500 m.
Tuesday
Cloudy, becoming clear in the afternoon. No new precipitation. Moderate to strong southeast winds at ridge top. Treeline temperature 0°C. Freezing levels rise to 1500 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
