Crusty conditions prevail at lower elevations. In the search for soft turns, watch out for wind slabs. They may be poorly bonded to the surface below.
Ongoing snowfall and southerly wind will likely keep the wind slab problem active. A surface crust has been reported to cover the snow up to 1900 m.
A couple of skier-triggered avalanches surprised a ski touring group on Saturday. Both avalanches were reported as size 2 and occurred on a northeast, alpine slopes just below a rocky ridge top.
If you go out in the backcountry, please consider sharing your observations on the Mountain Information Network (MIN).
5 to 15 cm of recent snow has fallen over firm snow above 1900 m. In sheltered north facing terrain at treeline and above, this new snow is likely soft and makes for good skiing. Below 1900 m, the snow is covered by a variably breakable crust.
The mid and lower snowpack consists of various crusts and layers of facets or surface hoar. Reports indicate these are not currently a concern.
Tuesday Night
Cloudy with trace amounts of new snow expected. Alpine wind southwest, 20 to 40 km/h. Freezing level 1500 m.
Wednesday
Mainly cloudy with up to 5 cm new snow expected. Alpine wind south, 20 to 40 km/h. Freezing level 1300 m.
Thursday
Mainly cloudy with trace amounts of new snow expected. Alpine wind southwest, 20 to 40 km/h. Freezing level 1500 m.
Friday
Mainly cloudy with trace amounts of new snow expected. Alpine wind south, 20 to 50 km/h. Freezing level 1500 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
