Avalanche hazard may have improved, but be mindful that deep instabilities are still present and remain possible to human trigger.
Concern remains for human-triggering the persistent weak layer on sheltered north aspects above 2000 m. If triggered avalanches will be large and destructive. Avoid shallow snowpack areas where triggering is more likely.
On Tuesday, explosives control targeting cornices produced a few size 2 avalanches.
Through the prolonged warming event, avalanche activity in the region was observed up to size 4. Steep rocky terrain and direct solar slopes were the most impacted. Evidence of this natural avalanche cycle will still be visible to backcountry users who head into the mountains on Thursday.
A dusting of snow overlies a melt-freeze crust that covers the snow surface at all elevations. The exception is on direct north-facing terrain above 2000 m where the surface remained dry through the prolonged warming. Below the crust is 50 to 80 cm of moist snow.
100 to 250 cm down is a weak layer of facets overlying a crust. This layer was the culprit in many very large avalanches through the extended warm period. Uncertainty remains around how long this layer will persist with cooler temperatures.
Below the crust, the snowpack is well settled.
Wednesday Night
Mainly cloudy with 0 to 4 cm of snow. 10 to 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3°C. Freezing levels fall to 1300 m.
Thursday
Cloudy. 5 to 15 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2°C. Freezing level 1500m.
Friday
Cloudy with 2 to 5 cm of snow. 10 to 25 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2°C. Freezing level 1500m.
Saturday
Partly cloudy with 1 to 4 cm of snow. 10 to 25 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2°C. Freezing level 1500m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
