High freezing levels and new precipitation are driving the avalanche danger.
If you see 20 cm or more of new snow at upper elevations, the danger will be CONSIDERABLE.
New wind slabs will be forming above the rain line in areas that recieve enough new snow and wind. Use extra caution in lee areas near ridgetops. Avoid travelling on or below cornices where possible.
High freezing levels and rain below 2000 m will create a wet snow surface and the potential for wet loose sluffing. Use appropriate sluff management techniques.
A cornice fall triggered a subsequent size 2 wind slab on a north-facing alpine slope on Saturday.
A few small (size 1) wet loose avalanches were reported on Wednesday, triggered by skiers on sun-exposed slopes.
With continued high freezing levels and moderate precipitation in the forecast, we may see avalanche conditions become more reactive on Monday.
5 to 15 mm of rain is expected to fall below 2000 m overnight and through Monday, with some areas possibly receiving as much as 20+ mm. Above the rain line, new snow will likely be forming reactive new wind slabs on lee north through easterly slopes.
Below the rain line, a melt-freeze crust caps the snowpack, which may melt, turning the surface wet or moist, and creating the potential for wet loose sluffing.
Crusts from late March are buried 20 to 80 cm deep, elevation and aspect dependent.
The mid and lower snowpack is well settled and strong with no additional layers of concern.
Sunday Night
Mostly cloudy. 1 to 5 mm of rain at treeline. 10 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 1 °C. Freezing level 2400 m dropping to 2000 m.
Monday
Cloudy. 2 to 15 mm of rain at treeline. 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 1 °C. Freezing level 2100 m.
Tuesday
Mostly cloudy. 5 to 20 cm of snow. 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1600 m.
Wednesday
Mostly cloudy. 5 to 20 cm of snow. 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
