As you transition from melt-freeze conditions to dry snow, lookout for wind-loaded pockets in lee features. And the possibility of wet loose avalanches will persist where snow is moist or wet.
Recent strong southerly winds have likely redistributed dry snow at upper elevations, look out for rogue pockets of wind slabs in lee features and below ridgelines. Expect new slabs to form as the incoming storm brings new snow and wind.
The wet-loose problem will remain in areas where the snowpack is not frozen and/or rain saturates the snowpack.
SATURDAY NIGHT: Increasing cloud and wet flurries / Moderate, southwest ridgetop wind / alpine low temperature -1 / Freezing level 1100 m.
SUNDAY: Cloudy with flurries; up to 10 cm / Moderate, increasing southwest ridgetop wind / alpine high temperature -2 / Freezing level 1400 m.
MONDAY: Snow; 30-45 cm / Strong, southwest ridgetop wind / alpine high temperature -2 / Freezing level 2100 m.
TUESDAY: Snow and flurries; 10-15 cm / Moderate, gusty southwest ridgetop wind / alpine high temperature -2 / Freezing level 2000 m.
No new avalanches were reported on Thursday or Friday, however pinwheeling on steep south and west aspects was reported.
Last Wednesday, a natural widespread wet loose avalanche cycle up to size 3 occurred. A cornice failure size 1.5 also occurred triggering a small surface slab on the slope below.
Have you been out and about in the mountains? If so please submit to the Mountain Information Network (MIN). It doesn't have to be technical it can be as simple as a photo. Photos are especially helpful! Sending out a big thank you to the already submitted MIN's this season. Thanks everyone!
Recent sun and warm air well into the alpine had the greatest impact on the upper snowpack. A melt-freeze crust is found on most slopes. At upper elevations on more shaded slopes where dry snow prevails, wind slabs have formed in lee features. Surface hoar growth has been observed in sheltered areas at treeline and below.
The snowpack depth varies with elevation. Below treeline 30 to 70 cm, 80 to 100 cm near treeline, and around 150 cm may be found in the alpine.
The mid to lower snowpack contains a series of crusts, the most notable of which is also the deepest, sitting just above the ground at elevations above 1500 m. This crust may have a thin overlying layer of weak faceted grains and/or surface hoar crystals, especially in sheltered areas around treeline. There is uncertainty as to whether these layer will be a concern going forward.
