Choose conservative, low consequence terrain
The snowpack is complex and contains multiple layers of concern
Strong outflow (northeast) wind has formed wind slabs on A variety of aspects. These remain a concern where the upper snowpack feels "slabby".
Up to 1 m overlies a crust and surface hoar layer from mid January. This layer may still be triggerable on slopes where the upper snowpack feels "slabby".
Activity on this layer has decreased but if it were triggered the resulting avalanche would be very large and destructive.
A few size 1.5, explosive triggered, wind slab avalanches were reported on Friday. These avalanches were on northwest aspects at treeline.
No persistent or deep persistent slab avalanches have been reported in this region since early last week.
Previous strong northeast outflow wind has scour windward terrain and loaded south and west facing slopes at all elevations. In sheltered terrain 30 to 60 cm of faceted snow overlies a crust and layer of surface hoar from late January.
Another layer of surface hoar was buried near the middle of January and can be found 50 to 100 cm deep.
A weak layer of facets and a crust from early December is buried 150 to 300 cm. This layer remains a concern in this region.
Saturday Night
Clear skies. 10 to 30 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -21 °C, potential for inversion with warmer temperatures in the alpine.
Sunday
Mostly sunny. 10 to 20 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -17 °C, potential for inversion with warmer temperatures in the alpine.
Monday
Sunny. 10 to 20 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -17 °C, potential for temperature inversion with warmer temperatures in the alpine.
Tuesday
Sunny. 10 to 20 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -15 °C, potential for inversion with warmer temperatures in the alpine.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
