Triggering storm and wind slabs remains a concern for Tuesday.
Relatively thick storm slabs and wind slabs could be triggered as they slowly bond to the snowpack. Storm slabs are most likely found in wind-sheltered terrain at treeline and below treeline elevations. Wind slabs are most likely found in lee, north to east terrain features at alpine and treeline elevations.
Many storm slabs were triggered naturally and by riders on Sunday, releasing within the weekend's storm snow. We expect to see more evidence of a natural cycle from the weekend as the skies clear.
Looking forward, storm slabs could still be triggered by riders in wind-sheltered terrain and wind slabs likely dominate in wind-exposed terrain at higher elevations.
Around 50 cm of snow accumulated over the weekend with strong southwest wind. Storm slabs are found in wind-sheltered terrain mostly at treeline elevations and below whereas wind slabs are prevalent in lee terrain features at treeline and alpine elevations. Storm slabs may overly a hard melt-freeze crust up to treeline elevation on sun-exposed slopes and below 1000 m on shaded aspects. The storm likely grew cornices, which could weaken if sunny skies prevail.
A layer of faceted grains and melt-freeze crust may be found about 100 to 200 cm deep. This layer hasn't produced avalanches in over a week and is currently dormant.
Monday Night
Mostly clear skies with no precipitation, 20 to 30 km/h northwest wind, treeline temperature -11 °C.
Tuesday
A mix of sun and cloud with no precipitation, 20 km/h northwest wind, treeline temperature -9 °C.
WednesdayCloudy with snowfall, accumulation 10 to 15 cm, 70 km/h southwest wind, treeline temperature -5 °C.
ThursdayCloudy with snowfall, accumulation 15 to 25 cm, 20 km/h southwest wind, treeline temperature -6 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
