Watch for unstable slabs on isolated terrain features where pockets of deeper snow sit over a weak layer.
Deeper deposits of wind-loaded snow may exist in exposed slopes at treeline and above. Beneath these wind slabs lies a crust and/or weak surface hoar crystals that could make them surprisingly reactive.
In the warm temperatures on Wednesday, small natural and skier-triggered loose wet avalanches were reported on solar aspects.
If you are heading into the backcountry, please share your observations with the Mountain Information Network.
Surfaces are a mix of refrozen crust and moist snow.
5 to 10 cm of previously wind-affected snow overlies a widespread melt-freeze crust, ranging in thickness from 5 to 20 cm, with facets below. In wind-sheltered terrain, surface hoar may be present on top of the crust. This layer is expected to become a concern as it gets buried deeper.
The mid and lower snowpack is generally well settled, with no significant concerns.
Friday Night
Partly cloudy. 50 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level dropping 3000 to 2000 m.
Saturday
Mostly cloudy. 70 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 2000 m.
Sunday
Mostly cloudy. 3 to 5 cm of snow. 50 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 1800 m. Freezing level 2000 m.
Monday
Mostly cloudy. 15 to 20 cm of snow. 20 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C. Freezing level 1600 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
