Use careful route-finding to stay on low-consequence slopes.
Storm slabs will remain reactive longer than usual due to the underlying weak layer.
Small storm slabs are expected to remain reactive due to the underlying layer of large surface hoar and a crust. Use extra caution on sheltered areas at treeline, where triggering is likely.
Several small storm and wind slabs (size 1 to 1.5) were triggered by riders in the region in the past 2 days. These avalanches were triggered at treeline and below on numerous aspects and released on the late January surface hoar layer mentioned in the snowpack summary.
Dry loose avalanches running fast were also triggered by riders in steep terrain on Friday.
15 to 40 cm of snow now overlies the late January surface hoar/crust layer. This new snow has been accompanied by moderate to strong south and west wind, meaning that the crust will likely remain on the surface on southerly aspects and deeper deposits will be found on north and east aspects.
The late January surface hoar is largest on sheltered treeline and below treeline features and may not exist on exposed terrain in the alpine.
At lower elevations or on steep south aspects, the snow surface is likely moist due to daytime warming.
The mid and lower snowpack is well settled.
Saturday Night
Mostly cloudy. 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1°C. Freezing level 1800 m.
Sunday
Cloudy. 5 to 10 cm of snow at treeline. 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 1600 m.
Monday
Mostly cloudy. 3 to 5 cm of snow at treeline. 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.
Tuesday
Mostly cloudy. 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 1800 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
