Watch for changing conditions as you shift aspect and elevation. Wind slabs remain reactive to riders.
Look for signs of active wind transport building fresh slabs.
Recent storm snow has shown reactivity to rider triggers in wind affected terrain. Avoid hollow, drum-like sounding snow near ridgelines.
Reports from Sunday indicated reactivity to human and natural triggers, producing size 1-2 avalanches primarily in wind loaded, lee features. See photo below.
Recent wind affected snowfall has totaled 10-25 cm, tapering to a crust below 1500 m. New snow has accumulated over a widespread crust, and dry snow on north-facing slopes above 2200 m.
The thick late-January crust and facets are buried around 50 cm deep. This layer is likely to be a concern in the future but currently does not have enough load sitting over it.
The mid to lower snowpack is generally well settled and strong. Snowpack depth ranges from 150 to 250 cm at treeline elevations.
Monday Night
Mostly cloudy. 4 to 10 cm of snow. 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.
Tuesday
Mostly cloudy. 1 to 5 cm of snow. 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C.
Wednesday
Sunny. 20 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.
Thursday
Mix of sun and clouds. 60 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
