Alpine conditions remain uncertain in the wake of the storm. Take an assessment mindset if you are probing into higher elevations and raise your guard if you encounter wind-loaded new snow.
Wind loaded dry new snow accumulations in high alpine areas may remain reactive to human triggers on Sunday. This problem won't exist where a crust has formed on the surface.
Periods of sunshine may destabilize snow on south-facing slopes on Sunday. This problem will likely be limited to new snow accumulations.
We don't have reports from Saturday's storm yet, but it's possible a small natural avalanche cycle took place at highest elevations where new snow accumulated, was blown around by extreme winds, and impacted by rain. Limited wind slab hazard may still exist in the high alpine.
No new or even recent avalanche activity has been reported during the extended snowfall drought.
A crust should form on the surface in most areas Saturday night but break down with solar warming on Sunday. In the highest alpine, 10 to 20 cm of dry snow may have accumulated in the storm. Any accumulations will taper sharply with elevation.
Where snow did accumulate, it would bury a widespread crust over a thoroughly settled snowpack. Average treeline snow depth is 70 to 150 cm. The snowpack tapers rapidly with elevation, especially on sun-facing slopes.
Saturday Night
Becoming partly cloudy. 10 to 40 km/h west ridgetop wind, easing. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 1300 m.
Sunday
Mostly sunny. 5 to 10 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 1400 m.
Monday
Becoming cloudy with flurries bringing 5 to 10 cm of new snow. 20 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind, increasing. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1100 m.
Tuesday
Cloudy with flurries continuing from overnight bringing 15 to 30 total cm of new snow. 10 to 30 km/h south ridgetop wind, easing in the evening. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1000 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
