Wind slabs at higher elevations may be reactive to human triggers especially where a wintry snowpack exists.
South-southwesterly winds have produced isolated pockets of wind slab around ridges and in the immediate lee of slopes. Cornices may be touchy, give them plenty of space.
The likelihood of loose wet avalanches will depend on the extent of overnight crust recovery and the pace at which it warms up through the day.
FRIDAY: Mix of sun and cloud. Alpine temperatures near -1 and freezing levels 1700 m. Ridgetop wind moderate from the west.
SATURDAY: Cloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurries. Alpine temperatures near -2 and freezing levels 1500 m. Ridgetop wind moderate from the west.
SUNDAY: Cloudy with sunny periods. Alpine temperatures near -3 and freezing levels 1600 m. Ridgetop wind moderate from the west.
No new avalanches have been reported.
If you have any recent observations during your travels, we would greatly appreciate it. If you posted a photo or any other information to the Mountain Information Network (MIN), thanks!
In the alpine, up to 10 cm cold wind-affected snow may still be holding onto northerly aspects. Southerly winds have likely produced isolated wind slabs around ridges and in the immediate lee features at upper elevations. Cornices have been failing recently.
Recent precipitation fell as rain upwards of 1800 m which has re-frozen as a crust well into the alpine on southerly aspects and all aspects below. Warm overnight temperatures will prevent crust recovery as you lose elevation. Expect thin surface crusts to break down quickly with daytime warming and rain.
