Avalanche hazard has risen with new snow and warm temperatures.
Rider triggering of new snow is possible.
It is possible for riders to trigger loose moist avalanches in steep and unsupported terrain. This layer is most reactive where a firm crust exists down 10-30 cm.
A fresh storm slab sits on a variety of good sliding surfaces. This problem will be more likely triggered on wind loaded lee slopes from S/SW winds.
On Wednesday, a field team triggered loose, moist avalanches below treeline in steep, unsupported terrain.
Isolated natural activity has been observed along highway corridor Monday/Tuesday this week. Avalanches have been dry, loose sluffs from steep terrain.
Warm temps are settling 10-20 cm of new snow into a slab. This slab overlies a spring like surface. This includes: soft snow in protected terrain on polar aspects, breakable crust on steep solar aspects, and variable wind slab in exposed terrain at ridge top.
A strong crust (widespread below 2500m) is down 40-60cm.
The mid to lower snowpack continues to round - except in isolated areas of the alpine where an unusually thin & faceted snowpack exists.
A brief ridge of high pressure is in place for Thurs, followed by an approaching frontal system from the NW on Fri.
Tonight: Cloudy/flurries, Alp low -6°C, ridgetop winds W light, FZ Lvl: 1300m
Thurs: Cloudy/isolated flurries, Alp high -6°C, light W wind, FZ Lvl: 1600m
Fri: Flurries, 5cm, Alp high -7°C, light/gusting mod SW wind, FZ Lvl: 1300m
Sat: Flurries, 10cm, Alp high -6°C, light/gusting to mod W wind
