Be cautious in wind effected terrain, which is wide-spread across the region.
Solar and wind have prompted rapid changes in the surface condition and localized areas of instability. Dig to assess. Be attentive to changes. Wear sunscreen. Call your Mom
Hard wind slabs in the Alpine and open Treeline features have the potential for wide propagations across connected features. Assess this bond carefully.
Caution in thin snowpack areas where triggering is more likely. This is a low probability but high consequence problem.
Instability will continue to produce scattered flurries and varied sun throughout the Rockies for the weekend. General snowfall accumulations between 5-10cm along and west of Highway 93N, with moderate to strong (in the Alpine) westerly winds through to Sunday.
Varied depth wind slabs or hard surface conditions in Alp & TL. Slabs overlie a facet interface down as much as 20 to 40cm, with varied and questionable bonding strength. Sheltered areas, top 30-60cm is faceted snow over a mostly supportive mid-pack. Reminder to be cautious of thick to thin characteristics, especially on a the surface slab.
Forecasters on 93N noted wide spread wind effect in all alpine and exposed tree line features with strong to extreme snow transport continuing at ridge top.
