Back off steep sun exposed slopes as the surface becomes moist or wet.
The search for dry snow may draw you to high, north-facing slopes - watch for reactivity in leeward features.
Watch for reactivity near ridgelines, or midslope rollovers. Recent snow may slide easily on an underlying crust. Rising temperatures may increase reactivity or possibly trigger natural avalanches.
Potential for wet avalanche activity (slab and loose) increases as temperatures rise, but concern is greatest on steep, sun affected slopes. Avalanches may initiate easily on the smooth crust below.
Natural and rider triggered wind slabs were reported in alpine and treeline features primarily near ridges (see photos below), and wet avalanches were observed on sun affected slopes and low elevations.
We expect activity to increase on these specific features, as higher temperatures and strong sun weaken the snowpack. Natural avalanches are possible and human triggered are likely. Check out the full definitions of moderate and considerable danger here.
Around 30 cm of dry snow can likely still be found on high north facing slopes with deeper deposits near ridgelines. All other aspects and elevations have likely become moist or wet with warm temperatures and sunshine. Below the recent snow, a widespread crust exists in all terrain below 2000 m.
The facet/crust layer that produced large avalanches during early March is buried 150-250 cm deep, and is now considered unreactive.
Sunday night
Partly cloudy. 40 to 60 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperatures to +3 °C. Freezing level 3000 m.
Monday
A mix of sun and cloud. 30 to 40 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperatures around +6 °C. Freezing level 2500 m.
Tuesday
Mostly cloudy with snowfall starting in afternoon, 10 to 20 cm. 50 to 70 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperatures around +4 °C. Freezing level 2000 m.
Wednesday
10 to 20 cm of new snow overnight, then flurries bringing another 5 cm through the day. 30 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperatures around -5 °C. Freezing level 1200 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
