Look for signs of instability like natural avalanches, whumpfing and shooting cracks. Wind slabs at treeline could have formed over touchy surfaces like crusts and surface hoar making them larger and more sensitive to triggering.
Recent snow has likely been redistributed by southwest winds forming wind slab on west, north and east facing terrain at treeline and above. In Sheltered areas at treeline these wind slabs could overlie a layer of surface hoar. Triggering a wind slab in this type of terrain could result in a larger and more destructive avalanche.
No new avalanches have been observed or reported in this region. However, note that we have had very few field observations. Please consider filling out a Mountain Information Network report if you are heading to the backcountry.
Recent new snow, up to 20cm, has been redistributed by southwest winds forming wind slab. On south facing slopes this new snow has fallen on a sun crust and in sheltered terrain it sits over a layer of surface hoar.
Buried 30 to 50cm deep, a layer of surface hoar, crust, and faceted crystals is the persistent layer of concern. Observations are limited in this region but this layer has already produced avalanches in the neighboring regions.
Snowpack depths at upper treeline are generally less than a meter.
Friday Night
Flurries with up to 5cm of new snow expected. Southerly winds increasing throughout the night, strong by early Saturday morning. Low of -9 at 1800m.
Saturday
Cloudy with up to 5cm of new snow. Strong southerly winds in the morning becoming light in the afternoon. High of -5 at 1800m.
Sunday
Flurries in the morning bringing trace amounts of new snow and then clearing in the afternoon. High of -6 at 1800m. Light easterly winds.
Monday
A mix of sun and cloud with the possibility of light flurries bringing trace amounts of new snow. Light winds and a high of -9 at 1800m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
