The avalanche danger is dropping, but keep in mind the potential for some unstable snow in steep alpine terrain.
Hard wind slabs are widespread but difficult to trigger. However, be aware of the potential for wide propagations if triggered. Cornices are also beginning to grow and should be given space.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT: Partly cloudy, light northwest wind, treeline temperatures drop to -10 C.
THURSDAY: Mix of sun and cloud with morning fog, light northwest wind, treeline temperatures around -8 C.
FRIDAY: Sunny, light wind, treeline temperatures around -10 C.
SATURDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, light west wind, treeline temperature around -12 C.
No recent avalanches have been observed, although there is still lots of visible evidence from the widespread avalanche cycle that occurred on Jan 13. The snowpack has stabilized dramatically since then, leaving us with some lingering concerns about wind slabs and cornices.
A variety of wind affected surfaces covers alpine and upper treeline terrain, while a hard crust is found up to 1800 m and higher on solar slopes. Soft pockets of redistributed snow may hide in sheltered areas. A solid mid-pack sits above some crust and facet layers near the bottom of the snowpack (150-200 cm deep). These deeper weaknesses have periodically produced large avalanches during intense storms (mostly in extreme alpine terrain), but have otherwise been unreactive.
