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 snowfalls and wind have developed reactive storm/wind slabs. Expect these slabs to be most reactive on lee slopes and on any cross-loaded features at all elevations.
Direct sun on fresh dry snow may quickly destabilize the surface snow and initiate loose avalanches on steep slopes. Avoid exposure to overhead hazards when solar radiation is strong.
Numerous natural storm slabs and wind slabs avalanches (up to size 2) were reported from all elevations and all aspects from the storm on Thursday. Field observations remain limited to determine more details.
Observations from low elevations reported natural sluffing and soft slabs even on low-angle slopes and creek banks.
If you are heading into the backcountry, please share any observations with the Mountain Information Network.
50 to 80 cm of recent snow overlies previously wind-affected surfaces in open terrain and / or a solid melt-freeze crust formed in early February.
Strong to extreme westerly wind redistributed this new snow, farther downslope than normal, forming reactive slabs down to treeline.
A layer of surface hoar, facets, and/or crust from late January is buried around 140 cm. Triggering either of these layers is considered unlikely at this time.
The remainder of the snowpack is consolidated with no layers of concern.
Saturday Night
Clear skies. 50 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -9 °C.
Sunday
Sunny. 60 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.
Monday
Mix of sun and clouds. 1 to 20 cm of snow. 60 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C.
Tuesday
Mostly cloudy. 2 to 5 cm of snow. 60 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
