It's still warm at higher elevations, so be cautious of overhead hazards and large terrain.
A buried layer of surface hoar on a crust is particularly concerning in the north of this region.
This layer may become more reactive as the warm air lingers.
Steep south aspect terrain will begin to destabilize when temperatures rise and the sun is out.
Consider avoiding these features during daytime warming.
January 18
Large (up to size 2.5) explosive controlled avalanches were reported on soutwest aspects in the alpine and treeline, failing on buried surface hoar.
January 16
A large (size 2) natural cornice triggered avalanche was reported on a northwest aspect.
January 14
A natural avalanche cycle was reported, with small (size 1) wet avalanches at lower elevations and large (up to size 2.5) wind or persistent slab avalanches in the treeline and alpine.
The upper 80 to 150 cm of snow has been altered by previous strong southerly winds at upper elevations and has settled from warm temperatures at all elevations.
In sheltered ares at lower elevations this snow is possibly resting on surface hoar.
Expect a crust on or near the surface in almost all terrain from the prolonged heat, rain and inversion. Sheltered north facing terrain may still have soft snow in places.
The mid and lower snowpack is well settled with no current layers of concern. Treeline snow depths throughout the region range from 150 cm to 250 cm.
Monday Night
Clear skies. 20 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 1 °C with an above freezing layer between 1300 m and 2500 m.
Tuesday
Sunny. 10 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C.with an above freezing layer between 1300 m and 2500 m.
Wednesday
Mix of sun and clouds. 10 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 1800 m.
Thursday
Sunny. 10 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C. Freezing level 0 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
