Use extra caution at treeline where surface hoar is well preserved.
Reports are coming in indicating that this layer is sensitive to human triggers.
Recent storm snow has formed a storm slab at all elevations. Triggering of avalanches is most likely at treeline where surface hoar is well preserved. Size and sensitivity of storm slabs could increas throughout the day.
Observations are limited in this region but conditions are likely similar to the forecast region to the south of this one. Several size one natural and skier triggered avalanches were reported in that region on Saturday. Many of these were remotely triggered. These avalanches were at treeline and on all aspects.
As more snow falls and the slab stiffens, we expect the size of avalanches to increase.
Up to 40 cm of new snow has fallen on a layer of large surface hoar. On steep south facing slopes this surface hoar may be found on a thin sun crust. On north and east facing slopes in the alpine new snow has formed wind slab.
The mid pack is generally unconsolidated. A crust with sugary facets beneath it can be found just above the ground.
The snowpack is still shallow for this time of year. Average snowpack depth at treeline range from 50 to 80 cm.
Sunday Night
Partially cloudy with trace amounts of new snow expected, southwest alpine wind 20 to 50 km/h, treeline temperature -4°C.
Monday
Cloudy with up to 15 cm of new snow expected, south alpine wind 25 to 40 km/h, freezing level rising to around 2000 m.
Tuesday
Cloudy with up to 15 cm of new snow expected, southwest alpine wind 40 to 60 km/h, freezing level around 2200 m.
Wednesday
A mix of sun and cloud with trace amounts of new snow expected, south alpine wind 10 to 30 km/h, freezing level falling to 1100 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
