Wind effect tree line and above - sheltered areas still hold great riding conditions. Some uncertainty remains regarding slab sensitivity on solar crust on steep southerly aspects - stay vigilant. Also give a wide berth to mature cornices.
Reverse loading from northerly winds this week. Wind slabs more likely non typical lees and near ridge crest. Mid day solar is packing a punch - ice climbers plan to be out of confined terrain exposed to overhead pockets during peak solar.
Friday: Isolated flurries. Trace precipitation. Alpine high -7 C. Wind SW 20-30 km/h. Freezing level (FL) valley bottom.
Saturday: Scattered flurries. Precipitation 5cm. Alpine Low -11 C; High -7 C. Wind W 20 gust to 50 km/h. FL valley bottom.
Sunday: Sunny periods. Nil precipitation. Alpine Low -11 C; High -6 C. Wind W light to 35 km/h. FL 1400m.
Sheltered areas hold up to 30cm low density snow over top a well settled mid pack. Moderate NW winds adding to cornice growth in the alpine; wind effect tree line and above. A crust down 25-40cm is decomposing and found below 2300m on S aspects. A widespread weak facet layer still lurks at the bottom of the snowpack all areas.
A natural size 2 wind slab was reported on the West aspect of Mt.Wilson. Estimated date March 6-7.
A natural size 2 cornice failure was reported on Mt. Wilcox. Estimated date March 7-8.
