Fresh snow now blankets a thick rain/temp crust, which reaches into the lower Alpine. While this makes things enjoyable up high, travel is rugged/challenging below 2000m so mentally prepare yourself for your exit to the valley.
Be wary of wind slabs, up to 40cm deep, in lee/cross-loaded features in the Alpine.
New snow accompanied by moderate winds formed soft wind slabs on leeward and cross loaded features in the alpine and exposed Tree-line. Pay attention to changes in the snow under your feet as you transition out of sheltered terrain.
A group bootpacking a couloir on the S side of Avalanche Mtn triggered a sz 2.5-3 avalanche yesterday. This suggests it isn't 100% "open season" to go send aggressive lines just yet.
Warmth and rain last week triggered a widespread Spring-like avalanche cycle. Many avalanches gouged to ground in gully features and reached the valley floor. Cooler temps have reduced natural activity.
15-20cm of new snow sits over a robust crust that formed during recent warm weather. Be prepared for challenging travel over refrozen avalanche debris and shallow snowpack hazards at and below Tree-line. This crust has been observed up to 2400m, but spotty to non-existent above.
The mid and lower snow pack is gaining strength and becoming less sugary.
Currently the snowpack is roughly 30cm below the previous record low.
Flurries, light winds, and seasonal temps dominate the forecast.
Tonight: Scattered flurries, 5cm, Alp low -6°C, light winds, Freezing Level (FZL) 1000m.
Wed: Cloudy/flurries, trace amounts, Alp high -5°C, light winds, FZL 1400m.
Thurs: Cloudy, isolated flurries, trace amounts, Alp high -7°C, light W winds, FZL 1000m.
Fri: Sun/cloud/isolated flurries, Alp high -10°C, light N winds, FZL 1000m.
