Storm snow and strong southwest winds have created wind slabs on north and east slopes. Use caution transitioning into wind affected terrain, wind slabs remain reactive to human triggering.
Keep in mind that brief periods of strong solar input could increase the reactivity of wind slabs.
Strong southwest winds are redistributing 15-20 cm of storm snow into fresh wind slabs in alpine and treeline lees. Expect wind slabs to remain reactive to human triggering even though natural activity is tapering off.
Be alert when there is direct sun on slopes. Even brief periods of sun could quickly initiate natural avalanche activity.
On Monday, small wind slabs on north and east aspects were reactive to ski cutting.
Backcountry users should expect to see evidence of a natural avalanche cycle that occurred during the storm as they move through the terrain tomorrow.
If you head out in the backcountry, let us know what you are seeing by submitting a report to the Mountain Information Network.
15-20 cm of snow overlies a variety of surfaces including hard wind-affected surfaces in open areas, a sun crust on steep solar aspects, and facetted snow in sheltered areas.
A melt-freeze crust with facets above can be found 50 to 120 cm deep. It has not produced any recent avalanche activity in the region, however, professionals are still tracking it to watch for signs of it becoming an active problem.
The mid to lower snowpack is considered well-bonded at this point. Currently, we are not seeing the same basal weak layers and reactivity that many of the neighboring regions are experiencing this season.
Tuesday Night
Partly cloudy. Alpine temperatures reach a low of -8 °C. Ridge wind southwest 30 km/h gusting to 60 km/h. Freezing levels lower to valley bottom.
Wednesday
A mix of sun and cloud. Alpine temperatures reach a high of -5 °C. Ridge wind norhtwest 20 km/h gusting 40 km/h. Freezing levels rise to 1500 meters.
Thursday
Mainly sunny. Alpine temperatures reach a high of -4 °C. Light variable ridge wind. Freezing levels rise to 1500 meters.
Friday
Mainly sunny. Alpine temperatures reach a high of -3 °C. Light variable ridge wind. Freezing levels rise to 1700 meters.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
