Avoid steep slopes that have been loaded by recent wind.
Northeast wind is forming slabs across many aspects and elevations. Expect the most reactive slabs in immediate lee terrain, such as just below ridgetops.
Extensive snow transport was observed during Monday’s outflow winds. While no avalanches were reported, this event and ongoing winds are likely forming triggerable slabs across many elevations and aspects.
Strong, shifting winds have heavily affected alpine and treeline terrain, building wind slabs on many aspects and in some places extending into the trees.
More than 100 cm of heavy snow fell last week, which has strengthened the snowpack and reduced the chance of triggering older layers from early December (which include buried surface hoar and crusts).
Snowpack depths exceed 350 cm at treeline.
Tuesday Night
Mostly cloudy. 2 to 4 cm of snow. 30 km/h east wind. Treeline temperature -13 °C.
Wednesday
Mix of sun and clouds. 50 km/h east wind. Treeline temperature -12 °C.
Thursday
Mix of sun and clouds. 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -12 °C.
Friday
Mix of sun and clouds. 20 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -15 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
