Be aware of the potential for reverse loading and encountering wind slabs in places you might not expect them.
If you're getting out in the cold, remember that freezing temperatures make for higher consequences.
New snow combined with strong outflow winds will likely create fresh wind slabs on lee slopes and cross-loaded features. They could overlie a weak layer of surface hoar, facets, and/or a crust. Be aware of the potential for reverse loading and encountering wind slabs on slopes you might not expect them.
No avalanches have been reported in this area recently. If you venture into the backcountry, please consider submitting a MIN report, as it helps to strengthen our data gathering.
The region received 10-15 cm of snow Saturday. This new snow overlies a highly wind-affected surface, including a wide variation in snowpack depths. Exposed alpine areas have been scoured, while lee slopes can see 150 cm.
In sheltered areas at treeline, a layer of surface hoar crystals is found down 20 to 30 cm. Although this layer has not been producing avalanches recently, reverse-loading may increase the likelihood of triggering.
The snowpack is somewhat shallow but, for the most part, settled and well consolidated with no layers of concern being reported.
An arctic front is sliding throughout the region. Gusty northerly winds and cold temperatures will persist into next week.
Saturday night
Partly cloudy. Isolated flurries. Easterly wind at 30 km/h and up to 50 km/h in the high alpine. Temperatures dropping to -15˚C.
Sunday
A mix of sun and clouds. No precipitation. Easterly wind at 40 km/h. Temperatures steady around -24˚C
Monday
Mostly clear. No precipitation. Easterly wind at 30 km/h. Temperatures steady around -26˚C
Tuesday
Mostly clear. No precipitation. Southeasterly wind at 40 km/h. Temperatures steady around -28˚C
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
