Watch for lingering wind slab at higher elevations where winds have varied in direction. Small avalanches have the potential to trigger deeper weak layers. Assess conditions as you travel and gain information.
Wind slabs have formed behind ribs and ridges in the alpine and treeline. Avoid snow that feels drum like or hollow. In exposed areas extreme winds may strip the slopes - making for poor travel and riding conditions. These cohesive slabs likely overlay a weak, sugary lower snowpack
Buried layers of surface hoar and facets have been reportedly been reactive. It will be most reactive where the snow above these layers acts as a slab (as opposed to loose snow) such as wind loaded areas.
Observations on this layer are currently limited. In times of uncertainty such as this, the best defence is to keep terrain choices conservative and reduce your exposure to avalanche terrain where possible.
Observations are currently very limited. A small slab avalanche was observed Thursday around 2000 m on a steep, south-facing road bank. It failed and propagated on the sugary, faceted layers snowpack, 25 cm deep.
We have very few eyes out there. If you do get out please consider reporting in the MIN.
The upper snowpack has been redistributed by variable winds into wind slabs that can be found on many aspects, these overlie a generally weak, sugary, facetted lower snowpack. In exposed terrain slopes may have been scoured back significantly. A buried layer of surface hoar sits 25-45 cm deep and remains a layer of concern.
The overall height of snow is highly variable throughout the region with around 70-150 cm in the alpine.
Saturday Night
Mostly clear skies overnight. Light to moderate westerly winds. No snowfall expected.
Sunday
Clear skies, light westerly winds. No snowfall expected. Alpine high of -12.
MondayMostly sunny with scattered cloud, moderate westerly winds and alpine temperatures around -15 C. No snowfall expected.
TuesdayA mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries bringing trace amounts. Moderate to strong westerly winds. Alpine high of -17.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
