New snow falling earlier this week combined with wind has increased the likelihood of triggering storm and wind slabs in the alpine and treeline.
20-30 cm of new snow may be reactive to the weight of a rider. Deepest deposits may be found in lee terrain where west and southwest wind has begun to transport the new snow.
On Tuesday and Wednesday there were reports of several explosives controlled storm slab avalanches to size 2.5 in the alpine. There also reports of a few skier triggered storm snow avalanches to size 1 and 1.5.
On Monday there were reports of windslab avalanches in the alpine and tree line to size 1.5 and loose dry avalanches from steep terrain to size 1. There was also a MIN report of two size 2-2.5 cornice triggered avalanches in the alpine.
Please continue to share any observations or photos on the Mountain Information Network.
10 to 30 cm of new snow is likely being redistributed by moderate to strong west and southwest winds. This overlies previously formed wind slabs and/or a melt-freeze crust below 1900m.
The mid-pack is consolidated in the Lizard Range with a 10-20cm thick frozen crust buried 70 to 90 cm.
Wednesday Night
Mostly cloudy with clear periods. Light to moderate west and southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around -8 °C. Freezing level at valley bottom.
Thursday
Mix of sun and cloud. Moderate southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around -4 °C. Freezing level rising to 1400m.
Friday
Mainly cloudy with scattered flurries, accumulation 3-5cm. Moderate to strong southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around -3 ºC. Freezing level rising to 1500m.
Saturday
Mainly cloudy with isolated flurries. Light to moderate west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around -4 ºC.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
