Storm slabs could be triggered by riders, particularly where they rest on a weak or hard layer.
Riders could trigger avalanches within the weekend's storm snow, particularly where it overlies weak surface hoar crystals and/or a hard crust. Use particular caution in steep openings that are sheltered from the wind.
Many large (size 2) storm and wind slab avalanches were reported on Sunday, generally 20 to 60 cm deep in alpine terrain between 1900 m and 2300 m on north to east aspects. They were triggered naturally, by riders, and by explosives. All of these avalanches occurred within the weekend's storm snow, and many of them occurred where the snow rested on weak surface hoar crystals.
It remains possible that riders could trigger similar avalanches going forward.
Around 30 to 50 cm of snow accumulated over the weekend. In exposed alpine terrain, westerly wind may have formed deeper deposits in lee terrain features. The snow sits on a hard melt-freeze crust on sun-exposed slopes and on all aspects at low elevations. The snow may rest on weak surface hoar crystals in openings below treeline, at treeline elevations, and at lower alpine elevations.
The remainder of the snowpack is strong. A hard crust is found near the base of the snowpack but is not a concern at this time.
Monday Night
Partly cloudy. 10 to 20 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.
Tuesday
Mix of sun and cloud. 10 to 20 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.
Wednesday
Cloudy with 2 to 5 cm of snow. 10 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.
Thursday
Cloudy with 5 to 10 cm of snow. 10 to 30 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
