Sasquatch

Watch for changing conditions as you shift aspects and elevations.

New snow may form small but reactive wind slabs.

Reports have been very limited in this region. Observations of large avalanche activity from the recent warm up have been reported this week, including a cornice trigger on Thar Peak.

Since then, several loose wet avalanches on sunny slopes have been observed. Looking forward, we expect small wind slabs to be reactive to human triggers.

Please consider sharing your observations on the MIN.

Up to 20 cm of settling snow sits over wet or crusty surfaces. On all but high north-facing alpine slopes, the upper snowpack is wet. Below 1800 m, it has melted substantially.

Two persistent weak layers are buried within the upper 2 m of the snowpack. Avalanche activity is thought to be unlikely on these layers. However, large triggers like cornices may produce avalanche activity in shallow, rocky start zones.

Otherwise, the snowpack is generally well-settled and strong.

Monday Night

Cloudy with 5 to 10 cm of snow. 20 to 30 km/h west ridgetop winds. Freezing level 1000 m.

Tuesday

Cloudy, with 5 cm of snow. 20 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop winds. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1600 m.

Wednesday

Cloudy, with flurries. 10 km/h variable ridgetop winds. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 1400 m.

Thursday

Clear skies. 30 to 40 km/h northeast ridgetop winds. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1600 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Be alert to conditions that change with elevation, aspect, and exposure to wind.
• Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
• Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.