This forecast lacks field observations and has lots of uncertainty. This will be the last avalanche forecast of the season. Reactive wind slabs remain the primary concern, especially around ridge features and wind loaded terrain.
Steady winds continue to impact 10-20 cm new snow around the region. The most reactive deposits tend to be around ridge features and leeward terrain.
A weak layer of surface hoar crystals is buried around 30 to 50 cm in sheltered, shady terrain around treeline. Recent warm conditions have likely promoted bonding of this layer but there is uncertainty about whether it is still a problem.
Saturday night: Flurries, 5-10 cm. Alpine low temperature -8 C. Moderate to strong southwest wind.
Sunday: Flurries and snow, 5-15 cm. Alpine high temperature -7 C. Moderate southwest wind.
Monday: Cloudy with isolated flurries. Alpine high temperature -11 C. Moderate southeast wind.
Tuesday: Mix of sun and cloud. Alpine high temperature -13 C. Light east wind.
No new avalanche observations were reported this week, this comes from a very limited observation network.
Around of 10-20 cm of snow has accumulated around the region over the past few days, along with a steady westerly wind. This covers a variety of wind-affected surfaces and a melt freeze crust on south aspects and slopes below 1100 m.
A weak layer of surface hoar crystals buried early March may be found around 30 to 50 cm deep, particularly in sheltered terrain around treeline. Recent observations of this layer are lacking.
An early-season layer of faceted grains and melt-freeze crust near the base of the snowpack likely lingers in high alpine features. The most suspect locations to trigger this layer would be where the snowpack is thin near rocky outcroppings. Large loads, such as cornice fall, may have the potential to trigger it.
