Take a conservative approach to avalanche terrain, while uncertainty exists with buried weak layers in the alpine. A number of surprising, large avalanches occurred over the weekend.
Buried weak layers continue to produce large, surprising avalanches in alpine terrain. Although uncertainty remains around the extent and distribution of this layer remain, the recent avalanche activity has been observed on steep, north to northeast terrain. Keep in the mind the potential for remotely triggered avalanches.
A couple of large (size 2-3) persistent slab, human-triggered avalanches have been reported over the weekend. Avalanches have occurred near ridgetops in north-to-northeast alpine terrain. Both avalanches have shown an impressive capability of propagating large distances. Here is a link to the most recent human-triggered size 3 avalanche.
Significant uncertainty remains about the distribution and extent of the problem.
If you are out in the backcountry please consider filling out a Mountain Information Network report.
In alpine terrain, recent winds have created a variety of wind-affected surfaces. New snow and wind will create thin wind slabs in exposed terrain features.
Persistent weak layers of surface hoar and/or facets continue to persist in northerly terrain near ridgetops, creating a number of recent, scary human-triggered avalanches.
Below roughly 1700 m a widespread, supportive, melt-freeze crust is present, with moist snow below.
Monday night
Cloudy with light snow, 2 to 5 cm. Treeline temperatures -5 to -10 C. Moderate southwest alpine winds.
Tuesday
Cloudy, with flurries, 0 to 2 cm. Treeline temperatures -5 to -10 C. Light alpine winds, shifting from southwest to northeast.
Wednesday
Cloudy, no precipitation. Treeline temperature -15 to -20 C. Moderate northeast alpine winds.
Thursday
Cloudy, no precipitation. Treeline temperature -15 to -20 C. Moderate alpine winds.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
