Triggering large avalanches is a serious concern as illustrated in this PHOTO BLOG.
Stick to low-angle slopes, avoid overhead hazards, and choose smaller objectives.
Large, high-consequence avalanches are possible due to a weak layer of faceted grains above a crust (75 to 150 cm deep).
Steep open slopes at treeline and alpine elevations are highly suspect.
Numerous large to very large slab avalanches were triggered naturally and by explosives across the region over the past few days (size 2 to 3.5). Avalanches are failing in both storm snow layers and on a deeply buried persistent weak layer of crust/facets.
This persistent slab problem should dominate terrain choices, don't count on surface clues of instability.
Surface conditions currently include settling powder, sun crusts, and some wind-affected snow in higher open areas.
A widespread crust is buried 75 to 150 cm deep, and weak facets above this crust have been producing large avalanches throughout the Rockies.
The snow below the crust is mostly strong and bonded.
Thursday Night
Clear skies. 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -12 °C.
Friday
Mostly sunny. 45 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.
Saturday
Sunny with increasing clouds in the afternoon. 45 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C with freezing level climbing to 2000 m.
Sunday
Mostly cloudy with 5 to 15 cm of snow. 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
