Fresh wind slabs will increase the hazard at upper elevations, especially during periods of intense solar radiation.
Be cautious as you transition into open terrain at Alpine and upper Tree-line elevations.
Strong gusty winds and fresh snow have created a new windslab problem. Expect to find this problem most reactive in the lee sides of ridges or in cross loaded terrain in the alpine.
Periods of intense sun will activate these new slabs on solar aspects.
There were a few small loose snow avalanches from rocky/extreme terrain in the last couple days, including human-triggered from S aspects on the Swiss Peaks.
Several sz 1.5-2 wind slab avalanches were observed last week from Tree-line and Alpine lee features.
Last weekend there was a natural avalanche cycle triggered by strong sun and high freezing levels. All observed avalanches were loose/wet and no bigger than size 2.5.
15-20cm of new snow, along with gusty SW winds, has created wind slabs in upper elevation lee features. These slabs sit atop a series of crusts on all aspects except high north faces, where they overlie dry snow.
The Feb 3rd crust, down ~110cm, is the dominant mid-pack layer and still produces isolated planar results when tested.
Below tree-line, the snowpack has gone through many melt-freeze cycles, and is in spring conditions. Travel is rough at lower elevations.
A high pressure ridge returns Monday, bringing sun and warmer temps to the region.
Tonight: Cloudy with clear periods, isolated flurries, Alp low -7°C, mod gusty W ridgetop winds.
Mon: Mix of sun/cloud, Alp high -2°C, light/mod NW winds, FZL 2000m.
Tues: Mix of sun/cloud, Alp high 2°C, light SW winds, FZL rising to 2400m.
Wed: Cloudy with flurries, trace amounts, Alp high 3°C, light/gusty mod SW winds.
