Use extra caution below ridgetops, and in cross-loaded features. Watch for signs of instability like shooting cracks, or fresh avalanches. Wind slabs may slide easily where they sit on a frozen crust.
Up to 10cm of recent snow has likely been redistributed by moderate southwest wind. Expect to find reactive pockets of windslab on leeward slopes.
On any aspect except north, these slabs will be sitting on a refrozen crust formed by the recent sun and warm temperatures. It will be easier to cause an avalanche where windslabs sit on top of this crust.
A weak layer of facets exists near the base of the snowpack. The likelihood of human triggering is low given the layer's depth.
There is no avalanche activity to report in the last few days.
Recent snow and wind have made natural and human triggered avalanches more likely.
If you are getting out in the backcountry, consider making a post on the MIN (Mountain Information Network). You can share riding conditions, avalanche or snowpack observations, or even just a photo. Heck, share what you had for lunch if that was the most eventful thing that happened:)
Up to 10cm of soft snow sits over a crust or moist snow on all aspects except north. Moderate southwest wind may have formed deeper, reactive pockets of windslab on leeward slopes. On high northerly slopes, the new snow adds to settling snow from last week that sits on facets and small surface hoar.
The middle of the snowpack is generally well-settled and strong.
A weak layer of large facets is found near the base of the snowpack. This layer is still a concern in shallow snowpack areas.
Saturday
Mostly clear, possibly some cloud in the south end of the forecast area. Isolated spots with light flurries. Moderate southwest ridgetop wind becoming light west. Freezing level falling to valley bottom. Treeline low around -7°C.
Sunday
Mostly sunny in the morning, increasing cloud through the day. No new snow expected, possibly some moderate snowfall starting up around Grand Cache in the evening. Light west or northwest ridgetop wind. Freezing level rising to 1200 m.
Monday
Partly cloudy. Possible trace of snow expected. Light southwest ridgetop wind, possible periods of moderate in the morning. Freezing level at valley bottom in the morning, rising to 1000 m.
Tuesday
Partly cloudy. Possible trace of snow expected. Light variable wind. Freezing level at valley bottom in the morning, rising to 1000 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
