Remain cautious around steep wind-loaded features at treeline and above.
Wind slabs have formed in lee areas from recent southwesterly winds. They are likely becoming stubborn to trigger but may be more reactive than expected where they overlie a layer of surface hoar over a crust.
No recent avalanches have been reported in the region.
With the recent wind and snow, we expect human-triggered slab avalanches in specific areas remain possible. Natural avalanches are unlikely at this time.
Observations are still limited, so be sure to post yours to the MIN if you get out!
Recent snow and southwesterly winds have formed small wind slabs on lee slopes at upper elevations. Rain has fallen up to around 1200 m.
In the alpine, wind slabs overlie a hard crust that extends up to 2300 m. Large surface hoar can be found on this crust at treeline and below. Recent rain may have neutralized the surface hoar problem at lower elevations.
A layer of facets or surface hoar is buried around 50 to 100 cm deep, for the most part locked under the supportive crust.
The mid and lower snowpack have no layers of concern. Snowpack depths are around 150-200 cm at treeline.
Saturday Night
Cloudy. 1 to 4 cm of snow. 30 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1000 m.
Sunday
Mostly cloudy. 0 to 3 cm of snow. 30 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level rising to 1500 m.
Monday
Mix of sun and clouds. 0 to 4 cm of snow. 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level rising to 1300 m.
Tuesday
Mostly cloudy. 5 to 10 mm of rain at treeline. 60 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 1 °C. Freezing level 1800 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
