Caution as you transition into wind-exposed terrain. Avalanches are possible near and above tree line where wind slabs have formed.
Use caution in wind-affected areas. New snow and strong westerly winds have likely formed wind slabs in lee terrain features at upper elevations that may be reactive to human triggering.
Wednesday night: Cloudy, scattered snow with 1-4 cm possible, moderate southwest winds, alpine high temperature -4 C, freezing level around 1100 m.
Thursday: Cloudy with periods of sun, isolated flurries with a trace of accumulation possible, light southwest winds, alpine high temperature -3 C, freezing level around 1400 m.
Friday: Cloudy with periods of sun, isolated flurries with a trace of accumulation, moderate southwest winds, alpine high temperature -2 C, freezing level around 1500 m.
Saturday: Mainly cloudy, 7-12 cm of snow, light southwest wind, alpine high temperature of -2 C, freezing level dropping from around 1400 m.
There have been few recent avalanches reported in the region. A couple of small wind slabs triggered by explosives have been observed. If you are getting out into the mountains, let us know what you see by posting to the Mountain Information Network!
Strong westerly winds have redistributed the 10-15 cm of recent snow into wind slabs on lee features at upper elevations. These lingering slabs sit on a mix of sugary faceted snow and hard wind affected snow.
The total snowpack depth is between 50-100 cm in the alpine, and tapers rapidly at lower elevations. Two crusts have been reported in the middle of the snowpack. There is uncertainty as to how well the snow is bonding to these crusts.
