Lingering storm slabs are most likely to trigger in wind affected terrain.
Watch for signs of instability like whumpfing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks, or recent avalanches.
Persistent weak layers of crusts/facets or surface hoar in the top 200 cm of the snowpack may be possible to trigger where there is not a thick crust under the recent snow. Cornice failures may trigger large persistent slabs.
65 to 120 cm of recent snow and strong southwest winds have formed storm slabs overlying a weak layer of surface hoar and/or facets. Storm slabs will be most likely to trigger in wind affected terrain.
On Friday, numerous explosive triggered storm slabs up to size 2.5 were reported on wind loaded features in the alpine. Numerous natural wet loose avalanches up to size 1.5 were reported on sunny aspects below treeline.
A widespread natural storm slab avalanche cycle up to size 3 occurred over the last week on all aspects/elevations.
Observations in this region are very limited. If you head out into the backcountry, let us know what you're seeing by submitting a MIN report.
Cornices are large and looming. Avoid traveling underneath them.
Recent snowfall amounts have varied from 65 to 120 cm, with the highest amounts being in the west of the region. The recent snow and strong southwest winds have formed storm slabs overlying a weak layer of surface hoar and/or facets that will be most likely to trigger in wind affected terrain.
There are multiple persistent weak layers consisting of crust/facets or surface hoar in the top 200 cm of the snowpack.
Saturday Night
Mostly cloudy. 3 to 10 cm of snow. 50 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.
Sunday
Mostly cloudy. 0 to 5 cm of snow. 30 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.
Monday
Mix of sun and clouds. 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -9 °C.
Tuesday
Mix of sun and clouds. 40 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -9 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
