Avalanche conditions are expected to improve this week as cooler temperatures follow the wet weekend storm. Ease into terrain gradually as you gather information.
A cooling trend should stabilize moist or wet storm snow. Dry snow at upper elevations may remain reactive to rider triggers especially where it's been affected by wind.
Weak layers buried in late January or February may be reactive in isolated areas. Their distribution is uncertain, but it is most likely to be triggered on large slopes, where small surface avalanches could step down to the layer.
Observations from the storm have been limited by poor visibility. Reports from Saturday include small natural loose wet avalanches below treeline and a skier-triggered storm slab, size 1.5.
Recent snowfall has been variable throughout the region. 20 to 50 cm of recent snow is likely wind affected at upper elevations. Below 1800 m, expect crusty surfaces over a moist or wet upper snowpack.
A layer buried in late January, consisting of surface hoar, facets, and/or crust, exists roughly 100 to 150 cm below the surface. Check out this blog post for more details on these problematic layers.
The remainder of the snowpack is well consolidated, with no other significant layers of concern.
Sunday Night
Partly cloudy. 3 to 5 cm of snow. 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.
Monday
Mix of sun and clouds. 1 to 2 cm of snow. 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -11 °C.
Tuesday
Mix of sun and clouds. 2 to 4 cm of snow. 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -11 °C.
Wednesday
Mix of sun and clouds. 4 to 10 cm of snow. 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -9 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
