Keep an eye out for blowing snow. If redistribution of snow is observed fresh and more reactive wind slabs are likely to form.
Previous north and east winds have formed wind slabs on south and west facing slopes. As new snow arrives and the winds shift to the south it is possible that new wind slabs could form on northerly aspects.
New wind slabs will be more reactive.
Weak, sugary crystals at the bottom of the snowpack produced large avalanches in late February. This problem may become active again with any rapid change to the snowpack, such as heavy snowfall, warming or large impacts such as cornice falls.
In general steep, shallow rocky start zones with variable snowpack depth should be avoided.
Recent avalanche observations have been limited to solar-triggered loose avalanches from steep south aspects.
The snow surface is highly variable with scoured surfaces on east aspects, wind loaded features on west aspects and sun crust on solar aspects. In sheltered terrain loose soft snow may still be available for good riding conditions. If southerly winds pick up during the day small thin wind slabs could form on northerly aspects.
Several crusts, layers of facets, or surface hoar can be found in the top 150 cm of the snowpack, but have not shown any significant avalanche activity or snowpack test results recently.
The lower snowpack consists of weak, basal facets which may become active with any rapid change in the snowpack, such as heavy loading or dramatic warming. Avoiding thin and rocky start zones is still recommended.
Sunday Night
Cloudy with a few centimeters of new snow expected. Light to moderate easterly winds at ridge tops and a low of -10°C at 1500 m.
Monday
Cloudy with up to 5 cm of new snow expected. Light southerly winds and a high of -7°C at 1500 m.
Tuesday
A mix of sun and cloud with a few centimeters of new snow possible. Light to moderate southerly winds and a high of -5°C at 1500 m.
Wednesday
A mix of sun and cloud with trace amounts of new snow expected. Moderate southwest winds and a high of -5°C at 1500 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
