Use extra caution on steep slopes near ridgecrest where fresh wind slabs are more likely to be found. Increase your exposure to avalanche terrain gradually as you gather information moving throughout the terrain.
Northerly winds are redistributing snow into fresh wind slabs in alpine lees. Winds have varied in direction in the last few days so watch for wind-affect on all aspects. Use caution as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
On Wednesday, a size 2 natural windslab avalanche was reported on E-SE aspects in the alpine.
Please continue to share any observations or photos on the Mountain Information Network.
10-20 cm of storm snow sits over wind-affected surfaces at higher elevations and a crust below 1800 m. On solar slopes, snow's surface is covered by a temperature crust.
In the midpack, a weak layer can be found 50-100 cm deep, as a decomposing crust, or in many places, it's more of a soft and weak section of the snowpack. There is a widespread weak layer of facets and depth hoar at the bottom of the snowpack.
Generally, the snowpack in this region is weak and shallow. Professionals continue to monitor deep persistent layers at the bottom of the snowpack though they are not active avalanche problems at this time. Snowpack depths around treeline are highly variable and range between 150 - 230 cm.
Thursday Night
Partly cloudy with scattered flurries, 2-10 cm accumulation. Northwesterly ridgetop winds 20-40 km/h. 1500m temperature low of -5C. Freezing levels of 1000 m.
Friday
A mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries, trace accumulation. Light northwesterly winds occasionally gusting to 30 km/h. 1500m temperature high -3C. Freezing level of 1000 m.
Saturday
A mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries, trace accumulation. Light northeasterly winds occasionally gusting to 30 km/h. 1500m temperature high of -8C. Freezing level drop to valley bottom.
Sunday
Sunny. Moderate northeasterly winds occasionally gusting to 40 km/h. 1500m temperature high -12C. Freezing levels valley bottom.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
