A surface crust will create challenging travel conditions.
Watch for isolated pockets of wind slab in the alpine, if dry snow exists.
Wind transport was observed at ridge crest on Wednesday during strong westerly winds.
Where dry snow exists, small, recently-formed slabs could be reactive.
As temperatures rose on Tuesday, skiers triggered wet loose avalanches (size 1) from all aspects and elevations. Natural wet loose avalanches up to size 2 were observed from steep alpine terrain.
A crust will form on the surface overnight, making avalanche activity unlikely. If dry snow exists in high alpine terrain, human-triggered wind slab avalanches are possible.
A crust or moist snow exists on the surface at most elevations due to recent rain and warm temperatures. This crust overlies moist snow or firm, wind-packed snow in the alpine and treeline.
In parts of the region, a buried surface hoar layer may exist roughly 40 cm below the surface, but it is likely a non-issue following this warming event.
A crust exists in the midpack at treeline and below, and a crust and facets can be found near the base of the snowpack.
The average snowpack depth at treeline is roughly 120 to 200 cm.
Wednesday Night
Mostly cloudy. 30 to 60 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 2000 m.
Thursday
Mostly sunny. 20 to 40 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C. Freezing level 1600 m.
Friday
Sunny. 20 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C. Freezing level 300 m.
Saturday
Sunny. 30 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 1700 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
