Even short windows of sun effect can turn steep south-facing slopes moist so pay attention to surface conditions if the sun is out for extended periods of time.
New snow remains unconsolidated with cool temperatures and calm to light winds. The accumulated new snow sits on variable surfaces of hard wind-pressed, sun crust and some remaining pockets of soft snow on north-facing slopes.
A weak layer of facets exists near the base of the snowpack. The likelihood of human triggering is low given the layer's depth, but large triggers such as cornice failures or smaller avalanches in motion have the potential to produce very large avalanches with surprisingly wide propagation. Suspect terrain for human triggering includes steep, shallow, and rocky terrain where the snowpack transitions from thin to thick.
Recent reports indicate dry loose avalanches to size 1 running in steep terrain.
Recent snow accumulated over the past week overlies a crust on all terrain except north-facing slopes treeline and above. On these high northerly slopes, soft snow may overlie facets and surface hoar to mountain tops.
30-50 cm down there is another sun crust on sunny aspects and surface hoar (3-10 mm) on isolated shady and sheltered slopes. The distribution of this surface hoar is spotty.
The remainder of the mid-snowpack is generally strong. The November facets are still prominent at the base of the snowpack. This layer remains a concern for human triggering in rocky, shallow, or thin-to-thick snowpack areas at treeline and above. Small avalanches and cornice falls also have the potential to trigger this deep layer.
Monday Night
Mostly clear. Light northeast wind. High of -4 °C at treeline.
Tuesday
Mainly sunny with cloudy periods. Light northeast wind. High of -2 °C at treeline. Freezing level at 1700m.
Wednesday
Mix of sun and cloud. Light northeast wind. High of -1 °C at treeline. Freezing level at 1900m.
Thursday
Mostly cloudy. Light to moderate west wind. High of -1 °C at treeline. Freezing level at 1900m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
