Avalanche conditions are generally safe. Things to always think about are pockets of wind slabs in steep alpine terrain, the possibility of cornice failure, and snowpack warming when the sun is out.
Cornices are large this time of year and may have been weakened by recent cold temperatures. Exposure to cornices should be minimized, especially during periods of warm temperatures or strong sun. Give them a wide berth when you are travelling on ridge lines and avoid overhead exposure to large cornices.
THURSDAY NIGHT: Mainly clear. Alpine temperature drops to -12 C. 15-30 km/h winds from the east.
FRIDAY: Mainly sunny. Alpine temperature rises to -5 C. Light variable winds.
SATURDAY: Mainly sunny. Alpine temperature rises to -3 C. 5-20 km/h wind from the south.
SUNDAY: Sunny. Alpine temperature rises to -4 C. 10-25 km/h winds from the south.
On Wednesday, glacial icefall (serac) triggered a large persistent slab avalanche (size 3). This avalanche occurred on o northeast aspect in the alpine and is suspected to have failed on a crust from early April. The triggering of this avalanche was only possible with an extremely large load and is not representative of the general conditions of the region as a whole.
Looking forward, avalanche activity is unlikely given the current cool, unsettled weather trend. However, always be ready for the possibility of pockets of wind slabs in steep alpine terrain, cornice failures, and wet loose avalanches if the sun is out.
Open terrain has been wind-affected, with recent wind scouring southeast slopes and loading snow onto east and north-facing slopes. Sheltered areas may still have soft snow. A widespread melt-freeze crust can be found 20 to 50 cm deep in most areas, and up to 80 cm in the snowiest parts of the region. This crust is near the surface below 1200 m.
