Crusts on solar aspect are becoming more the norm. Dry snow, and better riding quality, may be found on the more shaded aspects, but watch for wind slabs in alpine areas.
Recent snowfall and westerly winds are expected to have formed wind slabs on lee features in the alpine. Watch for areas where recent slabs are overlying a sun crust that can act as a perfect bed surface.
Cornices have grown significantly in the past two weeks. Give them a wide berth when travelling on ridge-lines and minimize overhead exposure to large cornices.
A few small natural cornice failures have been observed, not pulling any slab on the slopes below. Several small wet loose avalanches have been observed on south-facing aspects from solar radiation and daytime warming.
10-15 cm of recent snowfall overlies 20 to 40 cm of heavy powder at upper elevations, while warm temperatures have left moist and crusty surfaces below 1800 m on all aspects and into the alpine on south-facing aspects. The upper snowpack contains several crust layers, and the snow is well bonded to these crusts.
SUNDAY NIGHT: Mainly cloudy, light flurries. Light to moderate westerly winds. Freezing level dropping to 700 m.
MONDAY: Cloudy, isolated flurries. Light to moderate westerly winds. Freezing level rising to 1500 m in the afternoon.
TUESDAY: Cloudy with light flurries. Light to moderate westerly winds. Freezing level rising to 3300 m in the afternoon.
WEDNESDAY: Mainly cloudy, isolated flurries. Moderate to strong southwest winds. Freezing level rising to 3000 m in the afternoon.
