Surface instabilities and deeper weak layers may remain reactive to riders.
Choose low-consequence terrain and watch for signs of instability.
Buried weak layers of surface hoar and facets on a crust are now buried 70 to 120 cm deep. Be especially cautious on steep, open slopes at treeline and below.
Continued snowfall and wind have formed storm slabs in lee and cross-loaded areas. Human triggering is possible near ridge crests, rollovers, and steep terrain.
Small storm slabs and loose dry avalanches (size 1) were easily triggered by riders on steep, sheltered treeline terrain features on Monday.
No recent natural avalanche was reported, except evidence from last weekend's past cycle.
If you head out in the backcountry, let us know what you are seeing by submitting a MIN report!
30 to 50 cm of settling snow can be found in sheltered areas. Previous moderate southwest wind has redistributed this snow, forming deeper deposits on leeward slopes at higher elevations.
Below this recent snow, a thin crust is present below approximately 1600 m.
Weak layers of surface hoar or facets and a crust may persist in the mid-snowpack. Professionals are still concerned about its potential instability.
The lower snowpack is generally strong and well-bonded.
Wednesday Night
Cloudy. 10 to 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -9 °C.
Thursday
Cloudy with light snowfall 1 to 5 cm. 10 to 15 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.
Friday
Cloudy, with isolated flurries. 20 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.
Saturday
Cloudy with snowfall 10 to 15 cm. 20 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
