Sunshine can give a false sense of security, but dangerous avalanche conditions remain.
Rider-triggered avalanches are likely, so choose conservative terrain and route selection.
Recent snowfall and wind have created wind slab, which may remain reactive on lee slopes and cross-loaded features. Recent strong wind means wind slabs may be found farther downslope than expected.
Direct sun on fresh dry snow may initiate loose avalanches on steep slopes. Avoid exposure to overhead hazards when solar radiation is strong.
There were no new avalanches to report in the last few days, but poor visibility restricted field observations since Tuesday.
If you are heading into the backcountry, please share any observations with the Mountain Information Network.
20 to 40 cm of recent snow overlies wind-affected surfaces or old settling storm snow. Strong to extreme westerly wind redistributed this new snow, farther downslope than normal, forming slabs down to treeline.
This overlies old settling snow in wind-sheltered terrain, hard wind-affected snow in open areas and/or a solid melt-freeze crust in wind-exposed terrain.
The remainder of the snowpack is consolidated with no layers of concern.
Friday Night
Partly cloudy. 1 to 3 cm of snow. 50 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -14 °C.
Saturday
Mostly sunny. 60 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -12 °C.
Sunday
Mostly sunny. 70 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.
Monday
Mostly cloudy. 60 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
