Approach ridgelines with caution, reactive wind slabs may exist at higher elevations.
Cracking and hollow, drum-like sounds are classic signs of instability.
Reactive wind slabs linger on north facing slopes at upper elevations. Light accumulations of new snow may form fresh slabs overnight.
On Wednesday, natural wet loose avalanches up to size 2 were reported on sun-exposed slopes, while riders triggered size 1.5 avalanches in wind-affected alpine terrain
Reactive wind slabs likely exist in the alpine on north through east aspects.
Upper elevations may see 10 cm of new snow adding to 40 cm of settling dry snow on alpine north facing slopes and falling over a crust elsewhere.
Beneath this surface crust, a 5 to 25 cm crust from the late March rain event is present. A poor bond may exist between the new snow and this underlying crust.
A persistent weak layer of surface hoar, facet, and crust layer from early March, is buried 60 to 120 cm deep. The lower snowpack is generally well-settled and strong in most areas.
Thursday Night
Cloudy with up to 10 cm of snow overnight. 50 to 70 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Freezing level dropping to 900 m overnight.
Friday
Cloudy with flurries. 25 to 45 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.
Saturday
A mix of sun and cloud up to 10 cm of snow possible. 15 gusting to 45 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C. Freezing level 1400 m.
Sunday
Clear skies with 10-20 km/h westerly ridgetop winds. Freezing levels reach 2000 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
