Dogtooth

Rising freezing levels may weaken the upper snowpack. Triggering a wind slab remains possible, particularly where they overlie facets, buried surface hoar, and/or a crust.

Moderate

• We are uncertain due to the timing or intensity of warming will affect the snowpack.

No new avalanches have been reported since last weekend, when a few small wind slab avalanches were reported around treeline elevations on north-facing terrain.

If you are heading into the backcountry, please share your observations with the Mountain Information Network.

Refrozen, crusty surfaces are expected on steep south-facing slopes at all elevations and across most terrain below treeline. As freezing levels rise rapidly throughout the day on Wednesday, moist surface conditions may develop at all elevations, particularly on sun-affected terrain.

A widespread layer of surface hoar is present approximately 5 to 15 cm below the surface, overlying a crust and/or faceted snow.

The mid and lower snowpack is generally well settled, with no significant concerns.

Tuesday Night
Partly cloudy. 50 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C.

Wednesday
Mix of sun and clouds. 60 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level rising from 1800 to 3000 m by the end of the day.

Thursday
Sunny. 50 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 2 °C. Freezing level 3000 m.

Friday
Sunny. 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 2 °C. Freezing level 2800 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Avoid areas where the snow feels stiff and/or slabby.
• Use extra caution for areas that are experiencing rapidly warming temperatures for the first time.
• Travel early on sun-exposed slopes before cornices weaken with daytime warming.