Choose terrain that is sheltered from the wind for the best riding and the lowest avalanche danger.
Recently formed wind slabs may not be sticking to the hard surface underneath.
The wind is running out of loose snow to move, but wind slabs formed in the last few days may not be sticking well to the old hard surface, Watch for visible wind transport, and signs of instability like shooting cracks.
No recent avalanches have been reported.
On Wednesday, a large (size 2) avalanche was reported on a north aspect in the alpine. It is suspected to have failed on a layer of surface hoar that has produced a few isolated but surprising avalanches over the last couple of weeks, See photo below. Field observations have been limited, if you're out in the backcountry please consider submitting your observations to the Mountain Information Network.
Up to 20 cm of recent snow covers old, firm, wind-affected or crusty surfaces. Moderate to strong southeast through southwest wind has likely formed deeper deposits of fresh, reactive wind slab that may not be sticking well to the old surface. In isolated areas buried surface hoar can be found 20 to 40 cm deep.
Below 1500 m, a thick melt-freeze crust is buried 50 to 100 cm deep.
The mid-pack is generally strong and bridges the weak crystals at the base of the snowpack.
The average snowpack depth at treeline is around 200 cm.
Saturday Night
Mostly cloudy. No new snow expected. Moderate southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline low around -10 °C.
Sunday
Mostly cloudy. No new snow expected. Moderate southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline high around -5 °C.
Monday
Mostly cloudy. 3 to 6 cm of snow expected. Moderate to strong south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around -8 °C.
Sunday
Mostly cloudy. 2 to 4 cm of snow expected. Moderate southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline high around -5 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
