Carefully assess conditions that change with aspect and elevation.
The sun packs a punch this time of year, brief periods of strong solar input could increase the reactivity of wind slabs.
Winds have been variable over the past few days, as a result wind slab could be found on all aspects with the largest and most reactive being found on easterly aspects. watche for wind slab on exposed features at upper treeline and above.
Late last week numerous natural and explosive triggered storm slabs up to size 2 have been reported. These avalanches have generally been on north and east aspects at treeline and above. A couple natural cornice falls have also been noted with additional reports of wind transport continuing to build cornices.
Wind slab could be found on all aspects in exposed alpine and upper treeline terrain with the largest slabs likely found on easterly aspects. Up to 50 cm of soft snow from last weeks storm can be found on non wind effected slopes.
The mid-snowpack is generally well settled. The lower snowpack includes a layer of weak sugary crystals near the ground. These facets are slowly gaining strength and have not produced recent avalanche activity. We continue to track the layer and watch for any signs that it could wake up and produce very large avalanches.
Sunday Night
Mostly cloudy with the possibility of light flurries bringing a few centimeters of new snow. Light southeast winds. Low of -16°C at 1800 m.
Monday
A mix of sun and cloud with the possibility of light flurries bringing a few centimeters of new snow. Light southerly winds and a high of -6°C at 1800 m.
Tuesday
A mix of sun and cloud with the possibility of light flurries bringing trace amounts of new snow. Light westerly winds and a high of -6°C at 1800 m.
Wednesday
Mostly sunny with no new snow expected. Light to moderate southeast winds and a high of -8°C at 1800 m
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
