Avoid large, steep and open slopes at higher elevations where persistent weak layers are more likely to be triggered.
Variable winds have likely redistributed recent snow on to many aspects. Wind slabs will be most reactive where they overlay a buried surface hoar layer. Expect locally variable wind effects.
Surface hoar and facets buried in the upper snowpack has produced recent avalanche activity. Large loads or step down avalanches may initiate avalanches on the deeper buried February layer.
On Sunday, slab avalanches were naturally or human triggered to size 2 in north facing features at treeline elevation. Failing on the early March surface hoar/crust, or in wind affected features.
Looking forward, we expect persistent weak layers to remain triggerable in specific features.
Exposed terrain holds wind-affected surfaces, while soft snow remains in sheltered areas. Due to variable winds, wind slabs may be present on multiple aspects.
Two layers of concern currently exist in the upper-mid snowpack. Surface hoar on a crust can be found 20 to 60 cm deep. This layer has been reactive where a slab has consolidated above. And a layer of facets, surface hoar and/or a crust from mid-February is buried 50 to 100 cm deep.
The remainder of the snowpack is well consolidated with no current concerns.
Monday Night
Mostly cloudy with flurries. 25 to 35 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.
Tuesday
Cloudy with flurries. 40 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing levels around 1100 m.
Wednesday
Cloudy with up to 5 cm of snow. 60 to 90 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C as freezing levels rise to 1300 m.
Thursday
Cloudy with up to 5 cm of snow. 50 to 80 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C as freezing levels rise to 1200 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
