Be alert to conditions that change with elevation.
Wind slabs could be found at higher elevations in all aspects and further downslope than normal.
Southerly winds were observed in the past days, but there was also a period of strong northerly wind in the region Thursday night. Expect to find wind slabs further downslope than normal. Keep exercising caution around ridge lines and cross-loaded features are where wind slabs are most likely to get triggered.
A size 2 glide avalanche was observed on southwest aspect of Yak Peak on Friday. Numerous loose wet avalanches were also reported Friday on south steep slopes around 1600 m. Please continue to post your observations and photos to the Mountain Information Network. It helps strengthen our data gathering.
Up to 10 cm of new snow has fallen into the region since Friday. Ongoing southerly winds have scoured south-facing terrain. Evidence of cross-loading is also found on any open slopes. As freezing levels fall, a new crust will form up to 1500 m.
In sheltered terrain, around 30 to 70 cm overlies a rain crust that formed in late December. The mid-snowpack is well-settled. The lower snowpack consists of several crusts with weak faceted crystals above and below that are beginning to heal and bond to each other.
Snowpack depths are roughly 145 to 185 cm at treeline and taper rapidly below 1500 m.
Moisture from a frontal system will continue to spill into the region Saturday night with a southerly flow aloft. On Sunday, another trough will generate periods of light snow until Monday night. Overcast skies and dry conditions are expected Tuesday.
Saturday night
Cloudy, lingering flurries, light southerly winds, freezing levels around 1200 m, low of -6C at treeline.
Sunday
Snow up to 5 cm expected in the afternoon, southwest winds increasing to 50 km/h by the end of the day, freezing levels around 1400 m, high of -2C at treeline.
Monday
Cloudy, lingering flurries up to 2 cm; moderate southerly winds gusting to 50 km/h, freezing level around 1500 m, high of -2C at treeline.
Tuesday
Mainly cloudy, no precipitations, light southeasterly winds, freezing levels around 1200 m, high of -4C at treeline.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
