Steep alpine terrain may still hold wind slabs. If sunny skies prevail, use caution on sun-exposed slopes during the heat of the day.
Recent snow has likely been blown into wind slabs at higher elevations. Carefully assess for wind slabs prior to committing to steep features with high consequence.
Cornices are large and looming along many ridgelines, and have likely grown with the recent snow and wind.
Use caution on steep sun-exposed slopes during the heat of the day if sunny skies prevail, which is forecast for the north of the region (e.g., Duffey, Hurley). The problem is most likely a potential concern at higher elevations where recent snow has accumulated.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with flurries bringing 5-10 cm of new snow through the morning with higher amounts in the south of the region, light northwest wind, freezing 1200 m with treeline temperatures around -4 C.
THURSDAY: Sunny in the north of the region and mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries bringing 1-3 cm for the south of the region, light north wind, freezing level 1500 m with treeline temperatures around -3 C.
FRIDAY: Mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries, light southwest wind, freezing level 1600 m with treeline temperatures -2 C.
SATURDAY: Mostly cloudy wtih isolated flurries, light southwest wind, freezing level 1800 m with treeline temperatures -1 C.
Small avalanches were triggered within recent snow on Tuesday. This was likely the case for Wednesday as well, within the 5-15 cm of overnight snow.
Looking forward, wind slabs may remain triggerable at higher elevations and use caution on sun-exposed slopes if clear skies prevail, which is forecast for the north of the region.
Another 5 to 15 cm of snow on Wednesday adds to the 15 to 30 cm of settled snow from the weekend. All this snow is likely bonding to the snowpack, but there could be some wind slabs that linger at higher elevations from southwest wind. All this snow sits above a widespread hard crust, with the exception of high north-facing terrain. The lower snowpack is strong and settled.
Remember that cornices along ridgelines are large at this time of year and always have the possibility of failing naturally or from the weight of a human.
