Avoid north-facing alpine and treeline slopes, as this is where triggering persistent weak layers is most likely. Uncertainty is best managed through conservative terrain choices.
Weak layers persist within the upper 90 cm of the snowpack. Avoid shallow areas where triggering these layers is more likely. Natural avalanche activity has decreased; however, human triggering of persistent layers remains a concern.
5 centimeters of snow overlies a melt-freeze crust on all aspects to 1600 m. Previous strong southwest winds built stiff wind at the alpine and treeline.
A weak layer of surface hoar or facets is found 20 to 50 cm down in many areas. A second weak layer, found down 60 to 90 cm, consists of surface hoar/facets and/or a hard crust. These persistent layers remain a concern, with the potential for large step-down avalanches.
Last week, several natural and rider-triggered wind slab and persistent slab avalanches were reported, up to size 2.5. These avalanches have mainly occurred in north-to-east facing alpine and treeline terrain.
Although no recent avalanche activity has been reported on this layer, it remains reactive in test pits, and professionals in the region are still concerned about it.
Tuesday Night
Partly cloudy skies. 10 to 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C. Freezing level drops to valley bottom.
Wednesday
Partly cloudy with light flurries, 1 to 4 cm of snow. 10 to 25 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 1400 m.
Thursday
A mix of sun and cloud. 40 to 50 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C. Freezing level 1200 m.
Friday
Mainly cloudy with light flurries, 2 to 10 cm of snow. 40 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
