Watch for changing conditions through the day.
Intense spring sun and rising temperatures are making avalanches more likely.
Pockets of reactive wind slab may be found near ridgelines. Winds have likely switched directions, so look for slabs on all aspects. Watch for visible wind transport, slabs are most reactive during their formation.
Freezing levels are rising, and the spring sun packs a punch. Loose moist snow on the surface will get deeper through the day, increasing the chance of loose wet avalanches.
No recent avalanches have been reported.
If you are getting out in the backcountry, consider making a post on the MIN (Mountain Information Network). You can share riding conditions, avalanche or snowpack observations, or even just a photo or two.
Surface conditions include sun crusts on south facing slopes, wind-affected snow in exposed areas at higher elevations, and small amounts of settling snow in sheltered terrain. With sunny skies and rising freezing levels, expect to see more moist or wet snow on the surface as the day goes on.
A widespread crust is buried 40-90 cm deep, in some areas a weak layer of facets can be found above. However recent tests suggest this layer is gaining strength and avalanche activity is currently unlikely. No recent avalanche activity has been reported on this layer in this region.
The snowpack below this crust is strong and well bonded.
Wednesday Night
Mostly clear. Light west or northwest ridgetop wind shifting to light west in the afternoon. Freezing level falling to 1300 m, treeline temperature -3 °C.
Thursday
Sunny. Light west ridgetop wind. Freezing levels rise to 2000 m, treeline high around 2 °C.
Friday
Sunny. Light to moderate northwest ridgetop wind. Freezing level rises to 2500 m overnight, 3000 m during the day. treeline high around 5 °C.
Saturday
Sunny. Freezing level rises to 3300 m. Light southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline high around 8 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
