New snow will further bury a widespread crust. Use extra caution at higher elevations, where the potential absence of a crust may allow avalanches to step down.
New snow will continue to accumulate atop a widespread crust on Tuesday, increasing the likelihood and potential size of storm slab avalanches. Slabs will be most reactive on wind-loaded slopes.
Following last week’s widespread avalanche cycle, temperatures have dropped, and avalanche activity has been minimal. A couple of large cornice failures (up to size 3) were reported over the weekend, occurring during periods of strong sun.
Avalanche likelihood and size are expected to increase with forecast snowfall over the coming days.
Approximately 20 to 40 cm of new snow has accumulated since Saturday. Below this snow, a thick, strong melt-freeze crust exists at roughly 2100 m and below. At higher elevations, the new snow may rest on a thinner crust, moist snow, or older wind-affected surfaces.
Deeper weak layers may persist within the snowpack, particularly at higher elevations where last week’s precipitation fell as snow rather than rain. However, the strength and depth of the upper snowpack make these layers very unlikely to be triggered.
Monday Night
Mostly cloudy. 1 to 2 cm of snow. 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.
Tuesday
Mostly cloudy. 4 to 10 cm of snow. 30 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.
Wednesday
Mostly cloudy. 4 to 10 cm of snow. 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.
Thursday
Mix of sun and clouds. 2 to 5 cm of snow. 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
