Avalanches could become more likely with above-freezing temperatures expected at higher elevations.
Recent snow may not be bonding well to the underlying crust.
Storm snow accumulated since Christmas Day is bonding poorly to an underlying crust in many areas. Wind-loaded terrain at treeline is the most likely place to trigger a slab avalanche.
Temperature inversions are expected to create above-freezing temperatures at higher elevations. Be especially cautious around steep, sun-affected slopes during periods of warming.
Numerous small (size 1 to 1.5) skier-triggered avalanches occurred on Monday, failing on the Dec. 25 crust. Most of these avalanches occurred on northerly terrain around treeline elevations.
20 to 50 cm of recent storm snow continues to settle. A crust, buried on Dec. 25, exists below this recent snow and is variable in distribution. A very thin crust has been reported in some alpine terrain, while it is thicker and more widespread at treeline and below.
The mid and lower snowpack is generally well-bonded and consolidated, with multiple crusts present.
Tuesday Night
Clear skies. 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C, with a chance of above freezing temperatures in the alpine.
Wednesday
Sunny. 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C, with a chance of above freezing temperatures in the alpine.
Thursday
Clouds building throughout the day. 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C.
Friday
Cloudy. 5 to 10 cm of snow. 20 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
