Spring is a dynamic time of year. Conditions can vary widely and change rapidly.
Verify conditions in your local area and tune in to changes with aspect, elevation and time of day.
If the sun comes out, storm slabs may rapidly increase in reactivity, particularly on steep, sun-exposed slopes.
Expect deeper, more reactive slabs in north and east facing lee terrain features.
Even brief periods of strong solar radiation could initiate wet loose avalanches on steep, sun-exposed slopes.
On Wednesday, a few cornice-triggered storm and wind slabs (size 2) were reported from north-facing alpine terrain.
Looking forward to Friday, riders should take a conservative approach, the recent storm snow will need time to settle and stabilize. Pay attention to changing conditions and be mindful of your overhead exposure.
15 to 40 cm of recent snowfall overlies up to 30 cm of more settled, wind-affected snow. This is sitting on a crust on all slopes except true north-facing terrain at upper elevations.
Many areas below treeline are either snow-free or have very thin snow coverage. Expect difficult travel at lower elevations.
Thursday Night
Cloudy with 5 to 10 cm of new snow accumulation above the rain-snow line. 15 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 1200 m.
Friday
Cloudy with afternoon clearings. Light variable ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature reaches a high of 0 °C. Freezing level rises to 1600 m.
Saturday
Mostly sunny. 5 to 15 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature reaches a high of +5 °C. Freezing level rises to 2500 m.
Sunday
Mostly sunny. 15 to 40 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +2 °C. Freezing level 2000 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
