Higher freezing levels and potential sun on Monday may increase avalanche danger as the day progresses. Start and end early, and monitor how conditions are changing in your specific area.
The danger rating reflects the highest hazard expected during the day.
Snow and wind from last week formed wind slabs that may still linger in alpine terrain. We have had few reports of these lately but suspect there are still pockets that may be reactive.
A facet/crust interface from Jan is buried 70–160+ cm deep. In the alpine, large triggers, such as cornice falls or surface avalanches, may initiate this layer. We have seen very little activity on this over the past week.
Snow below 2000m was trending isothermal on Sunday. There should be a bit of recovery for Monday AM, but higher freezing levels (2600m) and any sun may break these down quickly. Monitor this locally.
Sunshine ski hill observed a size 2 wet loose that triggered a wind slab in the alpine. Also, they triggered a few small wind slabs with explosive control, along with a couple of small wet loose avalanches later in the day. No other avalanches observed.
Moist snow was observed to 2000m on Sunday. Lingering wind slabs persist in the alpine. Sun crusts on solar aspects up to ridgeline. Shady aspects hold dry settled snow above 2100 m. The March 20th rain crust is 10 to 50cm deep and extends up to 2100-2300m. or higher. The Jan 24th persistent weak layer of facets and crust is down 70-160+ cm and becoming non-reactive. Below this, the snowpack is solid with no significant weaknesses.
Monday: L-M SW winds, freezing levels up to 2600m and no snow. A mix of sun and cloud.
Tuesday: 5-10cm, depending on the location, with increased NW winds and valley-bottom freezing levels all day (-3 dropping to -8 over the day at treeline)
Wednesday: Light NW winds, freezing levels to 1800m, and a trace of snow.
