While the snowpack is generally expected to be stable, continually monitor and assess conditions as you travel. Isolated wind slabs may still exist in extreme terrain.
Lingering concern remains for isolated pockets of wind slab which may have formed in exposed terrain during recent westerly winds.
On Wednesday, a small wet loose avalanche was observed on a steep, sun-exposed slope.
On Monday, explosive testing in the far southeast of this region produced a few small (size 1.5) wind slab avalanches.
Treeline snow depths are typically 50 to 80 cm, with deeper wind-loaded pockets in the alpine. Heavily wind-affected surfaces are being reported in exposed terrain. A new sun crust is reported to be forming on steep, sun-exposed slopes.
A melt-freeze crust exists near the base of the snowpack, but generally appears to be stable and is not currently expected to be a problem for the region.
Check out this new MIN post from the South Rockies field team for more snowpack details.
Wednesday Night
Mainly clear. 15 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature near 0 °C with a temperature inversion.
Thursday
Mainly sunny. 15 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature near 0 °C with a temperature inversion.
Friday
A mix of sun and cloud. 20 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature near 0 °C with the temperature inversion breaking down through the day.
Saturday
Cloudy with snowfall up to 10 cm. 30 to 60 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
