Avoid steep slopes that have been loaded by recent wind.
Reactive wind slabs have been reported on a range of aspects, including lower elevations than usual. Watch for shifting wind direction on Thursday and expect the most reactive slabs in immediate lee terrain, such as just below ridgetops.
One small natural wind slab avalanche was observed on a west aspect on Tuesday. Several natural wind slab avalanches (size 1 to 2) were observed on multiple aspects on Monday. Ongoing moderate winds will continue to build wind slabs, with wind direction varying by elevation.
Strong, shifting winds have heavily affected alpine and treeline terrain, building wind slabs on many aspects and in some places extending into the trees.
Cold temperatures are faceting the surface, which may become an issue with new snow this weekend.
The snowpack remains generally deep and simple for the time of year, with treeline depths exceeding 300 cm.
Wednesday Night
Clear skies. 10-20 km/h east ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -13 °C.
Thursday
Sunny. 20-30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -14 °C.
Friday
Mostly sunny. 10-20 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -20 °C.
Saturday
Mix of sun and clouds. 3 to 5 cm of snow. 20-40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -20 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
