Sunny skies and decent snow quality is making for memorable days in the mountains. The hazard may have dropped slightly, but triggering a large avalanche remains possible.
The moderate winds have redistributed the recent storm snow and have formed slabs in some locations. As you transition into tree line and the alpine, be mindful of changing conditions and signs of instability like cracking, whumpfing or a hollow feeling below your feet.
On the highway corridor, several natural avalanches occurred Sunday evening, size 2-3.0 on steep South aspects.
A suspected skier triggered sz 2.0 in Lone Pine on Sunday. No perceived involvement.
A crust has likely formed on steep solar aspects. Wind slab exists in the alpine and exposed areas at tree line. 40-60cm of settled snow overlies a layer of decomposing stellars (large new snow crystals), a crust on solar aspects, or a thin layer of facets.
The snowpack is generally strong, however the deep persistent weakness of rounding facets and a decomposed crust remains at the bottom of the snowpack.
Tuesday will have a mix of sun and cloud with a chance of isolated flurries. Alpine temps will range from -8 to -15 with a freezing level of 1100m. Ridgetop winds will be light from the South.
Similar weather for the remainder of the week.
