It’s a great time to head into the mountains.
Loose wet avalanches are most likely on steep, sun-affected slopes once the surface snow warms, becomes wet, and loses cohesion.
Wet loose avalanches are possible in steep or extreme terrain when the snow surface is wet. Steep slopes with rocky outcrops are likely trigger points as they amplify warming.
Wet loose avalanches and cornice falls were last reported on Wednesday.
A surface crust may exist early in the morning, but we expect it to break down quickly on sun exposed slopes, and at low elevations with sunshine and warming. The snow below is likely moist or wet. Dry snow may still exist on the highest north-facing slopes.
A thick crust, with possible facets above it, exists 10–50 cm deep at treeline and above. Previous winds may have scoured exposed features down to this crust.
The mid and lower snowpack is well settled and strong. At low elevations, the snowpack is disappearing quickly.
Friday Night
Clear skies. 50 km/h north ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 1700 m.
Saturday
Sunny. 40 km/h north ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 1700 m.
Sunday
Sunny. 30 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 1600 m.
Monday
Sunny. 20 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 1700 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
