Reactive wind slabs persist at higher elevations.
Some areas may experience above-freezing alpine temperatures on Wednesday, which could increase the likelihood of avalanches.
Variable winds have created wind slabs at upper-elevations.
If triggered, wind slabs could step down to multiple buried crusts, creating larger than expected avalanches, particularly in areas with a shallower snowpack.
A few small (size 1 to 2) rider-triggered avalanches were reported over the weekend. These were primarily around treeline elevations on southerly terrain, failing 10 to 40 cm deep.
On Saturday, a larger skier-triggered avalanche in the Golden area appeared to step down to a buried crust in the lower snowpack. This occurred on a treeline slope with a shallow, thin to thick snowpack.
Variable winds have created wind-affected surfaces at upper elevations. Where sheltered from the recent wind, the recent storm snow remains generally low-density.
The mid-snowpack contains a strong melt-freeze crust buried in mid-December that exists at treeline elevations and below.
A second crust, buried in November, sits near the base of the snowpack and is associated with faceted snow. This layer extends into alpine terrain and has been a lingering concern throughout the season, particularly in shallow alpine or treeline areas where the mid-December crust is absent. In these locations, the November crust may lack a supportive overlying layer and remain susceptible to triggering.
Tuesday Night
Clear skies. 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C, with a chance of above-freezing temperatures in alpine terrain.
Wednesday
Sunny. 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C, with a chance of above-freezing temperatures in alpine terrain.
Thursday
Sunny. 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.
Friday
Mostly cloudy. 0 to 5 cm of snow. 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
