The recent storm snow may still be reactive to human triggering, especially in wind-loaded terrain at higher elevations.
Cornices are large and fragile following the recent stormy conditions. Use caution around cornices, particularly during periods of sun.
The recent storm snow is expected to remain reactive to human triggering at higher elevations, especially in wind loaded areas.
A widespread avalanche cycle occurred during the recent warm, wet conditions, reaching size 4. These varied from wet slab and wet loose avalanches at lower elevations, to storm, wind, and persistent slabs in the alpine.
With the current cool temperatures, natural avalanches are not expected, but it may still be possible to trigger avalanches, particularly at higher elevations.
Approximately 20 cm of recent snow from the weekend has buried a widespread melt-freeze crust present in all but the high alpine. The strength and thickness of this crust likely vary across aspects and elevations, but it is generally supportive for travel. Moist snow may persist below this crust, particularly at lower elevations.
A thick crust buried earlier in March can be found 50 to 80 cm below the surface at treeline and below. Two additional crusts, with facets above them, are present at depths of 70 to 150 cm. With cooling temperatures, the reactivity of these layers should decrease significantly.
The remainder of the snowpack is well settled and bonded.
Sunday Night
Mostly clear skies. 1 cm of snow. 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.
Monday
Mix of sun and clouds. 1 cm of snow. 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.
Tuesday
Mostly cloudy. 5 to 15 cm of snow. 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.
Wednesday
Mix of sun and clouds. 5 to 10 cm of snow. 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
