Fresh wind slabs may be building on lee slopes at upper elevations.
A persistent weak layer remains a concern in the region.
10 to 25 cm of recent snow combined with strong southwesterly winds built wind slabs on lee slopes. These wind slabs may need another day or two to bond.
The persistent layer of large surface hoar/ facets/ crust is a lingering a concern in some areas. There is uncertainity around how reactive this layer remains.
On Sunday, several skier-triggered and natural wind slab avalanches were reported up to size 2 in the region. Small wet loose avalanches were also observed out of steep sun-affected features.
For Tuesday, we expect natural avalanches to be unlikely, but human-triggering will remain possible.
10 to 30 cm of recent snow is covering a melt-freeze crust that exists up to around 1900 m and on sunny aspects. Another 5 to 15 cm is in the forecast for overnight and through Tuesday. Strong southwesterly winds will continue building wind slabs on lee north and easterly slopes.
At lower elevations and on sunny or windward slopes, the snow surface may be crusty.
The late January persistent weak layer, consisting of surface hoar/facets/crust, may be found buried 40 to 70 cm. This layer remains a lingering concern, particularly in the southern parts of the region.
The remaining snowpack is well settled with no layers of concern.
Monday Night
Mostly cloudy. 0 to 5 cm of snow. 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.
Tuesday
Mostly cloudy. 2 to 10 cm of snow. 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.
Wednesday
Mostly sunny. 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.
Thursday
Mix of sun and clouds. 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
