Solar input and rising temperatures in the alpine may trigger a natural avalanche cycle on solar slopes.
Minimize exposure to overhead hazards when solar radiation is strong.
Shifting winds have created wind slabs on a variety of aspects. Look for signs of wind effect on the snow surface as you move through the terrain. Wind slabs may become more sensitive to triggering as temperatures rise.
With above freezing temperatures in the alpine and solar input, loose wet avalanche activity is likely to increase through the day. Back off slopes if the surface becomes moist or wet with rising temperatures.
No new avalanches were reported by 4 pm on Sunday.
Forecasters expect rising freezing levels and solar input will cause a natural avalanche cycle in steep solar terrain on Monday. Monitor rising temperatures throughout the day and look for signs of instability increasing.
On northerly aspercts in the alpine 20 cm of dry storm snow may still be preserved. Shifting winds have redistributed this snow into wind slabs on various aspects in exposed areas. At the treeline, 2 cm of new snow covers a supportive crust.
Storm snow overlies a sun crust on steep south-facing slopes, faceted snow or surface hoar in sheltered areas, and wind-affected surfaces in exposed areas.
The mid and lower snowpack is well consolidated, with several well-bonded crusts scattered throughout.
Snow depth has been reported as 330 cm at 1700 m, tapering quickly at lower elevations below treeline.
Watch this week's North Shore Conditions for more info.
Sunday Night
Mainly clear skies. 15 to 30 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.
Monday
A mix of sun and cloud. 20 to 30 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +1 °C. An above freezing layer develops between 1500 and 2500 m.
Tuesday
A mix of sun and cloud. 30 to 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +3 °C. An above freezing layer persists between 1400 and 2700 m.
Wednesday
Mainly clear skies. 20 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +5 °C. Freezing levels 3000 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
