Wind slabs in the alpine and isolated treeline pockets continue to demand caution—evaluate steep slopes for recent wind effect.
Continued westerly winds and snow accumulation have formed pockets of reactive wind slabs in leeward and cross-loaded terrain in the alpine and treeline.
No recent avalanches have been reported, but observations are limited at this time of year.
Let us know what you are seeing by posting a MIN if you are heading out in the backcountry!
Up to 40 cm of new snow has accumulated since last weekend (lower amounts expected in the east of the region). Recent westerly winds have built deeper deposits in exposed, wind-loaded terrain.
The mid and lower snowpack remains generally well-bonded, containing several crusts from earlier in the season.
Average snow depths at treeline range from 40 to 80 cm and decrease dramatically at lower elevations.
Friday Night
Cloudy. 1 to 2 cm of snow. 10 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -12 °C.
Saturday
Cloudy. 2 to 5 cm of snow. 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -9 °C.
Sunday
Cloudy. 2 to 20 cm of snow. 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.
Monday
Cloudy. 10 to 30 cm of snow. 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
