New snow and wind will be building fresh storm slabs, adding more load to an already reactive, persistent weak layer.
Don't let the fresh powder lure you into consequential terrain.
A weak layer of surface hoar buried 40 to 90 cm has been the cause of numerous large avalanches this week. Remote triggering is a concern and avoiding overhead hazard is recommened.
Storm snow has been adding up over the past few days and an additional 10 to 15 cm is expected for Monday. These slabs will be especially reactive in wind loaded areas.
A widespread avalanche cycle occurred last week, with very large avalanches up to size 3 reported. While activity has generally decreased, several avalanches up to size 2.5 were reported on Friday and Saturday.
The ongoing activity confirms a reactive weak layer with continued potential for remote triggering. Additionally, fresh stom slabs are expected to grow on Monday. Conservative terrain choices are strongly recommended.
10 to 15 cm of new snow on Monday, combined with strong southwesterly winds, will build fresh storm slabs. These slabs are expected to be most reactive in wind-loaded areas
A weak surface hoar layer currently buried 40 to 90 cm is a major concern in the region. It has been the failure layer in many recent avalanches. On south-facing slopes, this layer is a sun crust.
The lower snowpack is generally well-bonded and consolidated, with multiple crust layers present.
Sunday Night
Cloudy. 1 to 5 cm of snow. 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C. Freezing level 1200 m.
Monday
Cloudy. 5 to 10 cm of snow. 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 1400 m.
Tuesday
Mix of sun and clouds. 2 to 5 mm of precipitation as snow on Monday night. 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 2 °C. Freezing level rising to 2800 m.
Wednesday
Mostly sunny. 20 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 4 °C. Freezing level rising to 3500 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
