Snowfall should ease on Wednesday, but strong alpine winds will continue. Dangerous avalanche conditions are likely to persist at higher elevations.
Large, fragile cornices are being stressed by new snow and strong winds. If they fail, the additional load could trigger deeper weak layers on slopes below.
Recent snow, accompanied by strong southwesterly winds, sits atop a widespread crust. Expect slabs to be the largest and most reactive at higher elevations in wind-loaded terrain.
Following last week’s widespread avalanche cycle, temperatures have dropped, and avalanche activity has been minimal. A couple of large cornice failures (up to size 3) were reported over the weekend, occurring during periods of strong sun.
With the recent arrival of new snow and strong winds, avalanche likelihood and potential size will increase.
Approximately 20 to 50 cm of storm snow has accumulated since Saturday. Recent westerly winds have redistributed this snow in exposed alpine terrain, creating areas of deeper wind loading.
Below this snow, a thick, strong melt-freeze crust exists at roughly 2100 m and below. At higher elevations, the new snow may rest on a thinner crust, moist snow, or older wind-affected surfaces.
Deeper weak layers may persist within the snowpack, particularly at higher elevations where last week’s precipitation fell as snow rather than rain. However, the strength and depth of the upper snowpack make these layers very unlikely to be triggered.
Tuesday Night
Mostly cloudy. 1 to 5 cm of snow. 60 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.
Wednesday
Mostly cloudy. 2 to 8 cm of snow. 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -9 °C.
Thursday
Mix of sun and clouds. 1 to 2 cm of snow. 20 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.
Friday
Mix of sun and clouds. 1 to 2 cm of snow. 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
