Continually assess for wind slabs as you move through the terrain. Winds are forecast to increase through the day and may build fresh wind slabs on north and west aspects.
The sun packs a punch this time of year, brief periods of strong solar input could increase the reactivity of wind slabs and cornices.
Winds have been variable over the past few days and as a result, wind slabs can be found on all aspects of the alpine. Watch for fresh wind slab development on exposed west and northerly features as winds increase from the east on Wednesday.
On Monday, A few small solar-induced avalanches were reported to size 1 throughout the region. A few size three natural avalanches were observed in the Hosmer area. These avalanches were likely triggered by a cornice failure due to solar radiation.
On Sunday, several small pockets of windslab were reportedly reactive to natural and human triggers. Ski cutting also resulted in a few loose dry avalanches.
Storm snow has been redistributed by variable winds into wind slabs on all aspects in exposed alpine and upper treeline terrain. A melt freeze crust is found on the surface of steep solar slopes. Up to 50 cm of soft snow from last week's storm can be found on non-wind affected slopes.
The mid-snowpack is generally well settled. The lower snowpack includes a layer of weak sugary crystals near the ground. These facets are slowly gaining strength and have not produced recent avalanche activity. We continue to track the layer and watch for any signs that it could wake up and produce very large avalanches.
Tuesday Night
Cloudy with clear periods. Southeasterly winds 15-20 km/h. Treeline temperatures, low of -13.
Wednesday
A mix of sun and cloud. Easterly ridgetop winds 25-40 km/h. Treeline temperatures, high of -12.
Thursday
A mix of sun and cloud. Southerly winds 15-20 km/h. Treeline temperatures, high of -10.
Friday
Cloudy with scattered flurries, 2-4 cm accumulation. Easterly ridgetop winds 15-20 km/h. Treeline temperatures, high of -10.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
