Reactive slabs will likely build in exposed areas today.
Good riding likely exists in sheltered areas and on low-angle slopes.
Up to 30 cm of new snow may form reactive slabs today. Use caution in steep, exposed areas where the wind forms deeper deposits.
Expect to find deeper and more reactive slabs with more snow falling in the west of the region.
Today, we expect new snow and south winds will form triggerable slabs. Watch for building slabs, especially on lee terrain features, and in the west of the region where storm totals are expected to be greater.
On Saturday, several size 1 slab and loose dry avalanches were triggered by skiers in steep terrain. Check out this MIN report from Saturday.
Up to 30 cm of new snow will likely be blown around by south winds today. Expect to find deeper and more reactive deposits in the west of the region.
This snow overlies previously wind-affected surfaces at upper elevations. Below 1100 m expect that it falls on a crust.
The remainder of the snowpack is strong, with numerous hard melt-freeze crusts.
Treeline snow depths generally range from 50 to 150 cm. Snow depth diminishes rapidly below 1000 m, these elevations received more heavy rainfall and a crust has likely formed. Traveling on skis is almost impossible below treeline.
Sunday Night
Cloudy with up to 5 cm snow, west alpine wind 30 to 50 km/h, freezing level around 600 m.
Monday
Cloudy with 15 to 30 cm snow, greatest in the west, south alpine winds 40 to 60 km/h, freezing level rises to 1000 m by 4 pm.
Tuesday
Cloudy with up to 20 cm snow, south alpine winds 80 to 100 km/h, freezing level 1200 m.
Wednesday
Partly cloudy with no precipitation, north alpine winds 20 to 40 km/h, freezing level drops to 700 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
