Slabs may form as the snow continues to settle. Where formed, riders could trigger them if they rest on a weak layer.
As last weekend's storm snow settles, it may form a slab that could be triggered by riders. This is predominantly a problem where the snow overlies weak surface hoar crystals. Use caution in steep openings sheltered from the wind.
Monday saw some more small to large (size 1 to 2) avalanches triggered by riders and explosives. This adds to the many avalanches observed since the weekend, all generally being 20 to 60 cm in predominantly north to east alpine terrain. Many of the avalanches occurred where the snow rested on weak surface hoar crystals.
Although conditions are improving, it remains possible that riders could trigger similar avalanches going forward.
Around 30 to 50 cm of snow accumulated last weekend and it has remained relatively cool and cloudy since then. The snow may remain soft without slab properties in some locations, but as the snow settles it may form a slab. This is particularly problematic where the snow may rest on weak surface hoar crystals in openings below treeline, at treeline elevations, and at lower alpine elevations. Otherwise, it rests on a hard melt-freeze crust on sun-exposed slopes and on all aspects at low elevations.
In exposed alpine terrain, westerly wind may have formed small wind slabs in lee terrain features.
The remainder of the snowpack is strong without any deeper concerns at this time.
Tuesday Night
Mostly cloudy. 10 to 20 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.
Wednesday
Cloudy with 1 to 3 cm of snow. 10 to 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.
Thursday
Increasing clouds with 1 to 3 cm of later afternoon snow. 10 to 20 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.
Friday
Cloudy with 2 to 5 cm of snow. 10 to 30 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
