Switching winds have developed fresh, sensitive wind slabs on exposed slopes. Avoid areas where snow feels stiff or slabby.
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With plenty of snow available for transport increased winds on will develop fresh reactive wind slabs in lee terrain. Windslab will be primed for human triggering. Minimize exposure during periods of heavy loading from wind.
The new snow has bonded poorly to underlying layers. Back off if you encounter whumphing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks or recent avalanches.
On Monday, two natural, size 3, storm slab avalanches were observed, likely triggered by overnight winds. These avalanches occurred on exposed northeast alpine slopes.
On Sunday, avalanche control produced several explosive-triggered storm slab avalanches size 1.5 to 2.5, and numerous dry loose avalanches, size 1 to 1.5, on northeast aspects at treeline.
Storm snow will likely remain reactive to skier traffic on Wednesday, where winds redistributed it into slabs.
Storm snow totals range from 40 to 70 cm, with deeper deposits in wind-loaded areas. On exposed features, northeast winds have built fresh wind slabs on south and west facing slopes.
The storm snow has bonded poorly to the old snow surfaces, which includes melt-freeze crusts on sun-exposed slopes, large surface hoar or facets in sheltered areas, and wind-affected snow in exposed terrain at ridgelines.
The lower snowpack is strong and bonded.
Tuesday Night
Cloudy with light flurries, 2 to 4 cm. 20 to 30 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -26 °C.
Wednesday
Mainly cloudy. 15 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -18 °C.
Thursday
A mix of sun and cloud. 15 to 25 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -14 °C.
Friday
Mainly sunny. 5 to 15 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -12 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
