Use caution in sheltered treeline and alpine areas, as a preserved weak layer may still be reactive.
Careful sluff management is key in steep terrain and when terrain traps are present.
A weak layer of surface hoar/facets or a crust exists 20 to 35 cm down. This layer may be reactive to human-triggering where a slab has developed above it. Watch for signs of instability: whumphing, shooting cracks and recent avalanches.
When initiated in steep terrain, expect, new light and dry snow to gain enough mass to push you into hazardous terrain traps.
On Sunday, a few small natural and human-triggered dry loose avalanches were reported in steep northeast facing terrain. See this great MIN for details!
We expect unconsolidated snow will remain reactive to rider traffic in steep terrain. Carefully manage sluffing and minimize exposure to overhead hazards wherever possible.
20 to 35 cm of storm snow blankets the area. Expect to find deeper deposits on north and east slopes in wind-loaded areas. Storm snow has not bonded well to the old snow surfaces, which includes melt-freeze crusts on sun-exposed slopes, large surface hoar or facets on shaded slopes, and wind-affected snow in exposed terrain at ridgelines.
A weak layer of surface hoar or facets is buried, 20 to 35 cm deep. This layer is most likely to be preserved in sheltered areas at treeline.
The lower snowpack is strong and bonded. Treeline snow depths average 150 to 200 cm.
Wednesday Night
Mainly clear. 5 to 15 km/h north ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -19 °C.
Thursday
A mix of sun and cloud. 10 to 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -14 °C.
Friday
Mainly sunny. 5 to 15 km/h variable ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -12 °C.
Saturday
Mainly sunny. 10 to 15 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -15 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
