Watch for unstable snow on isolated features: windslabs in the high alpine, and loose wet avalanches on steep slopes that face the sun.
Expect variable snowpack conditions as we transition from winter to spring.
Some dry snow remains on shaded slopes at high elevations. If the wind picks up, small windslabs could form below ridgetops.
Carfully evaluate for windslab hazard before committing to bigger features.
During periods of daytime warming and sunshine, expect the surface snow to be unstable on slopes that face the sun.
A wet storm added a lot of moisture and heat to the upper snowpack earlier this week.
If you see signs of loose wet instability, like snow that feels like a slurpy, or clumps up and pinwheels down a slope, move to less steep and more shaded terrain.
No new avalanches were reported before 4 pm on Friday.
We expect that anywhere that was sunny on Thursday or Friday would have seen numerous, small, wet loose avalanches triggered by the sun on steep slopes. Also, there may be small pockets of windslab on exposed alpine ridges that could avalanche under the weight of a human.
If you have any observations from this region, let us know what you are seeing by submitting a report to the Mountain Information Network.
In the alpine and around treeline, 5-10 cm of new snow covers a frozen crust, with moist snow below.
The mid snowpack is generally settled and strong at treeline and above.
A melt-freeze crust that was buried in mid January can be found 60 to 100 cm below the snow surface.
A weak layer of large, sugary crystals persists at the base of the snowpack. This layer has not produced recent avalanche activity in this area, but professionals continue to monitor for signs of it becoming active.
Friday Night
Mostly clear, no new snow expected. Freezing level falling to valley bottom. Treeline low around -7 °C Light to moderate southwest ridgetop wind.
Saturday
Mostly sunny. No new snow expected. Freezing level rising to 2200m. Treeline high around 1°C. Moderate southwest ridgetop wind.
Sunday
Partly cloudy. Possible trace of snow in the alpine. Freezing level at 1800 m overnight, rising to 2300 m. Light to moderate southwest ridgetop wind.
Monday
Cloudy overnight with 5-10 cm of snow expected in the Alpine. Mostly sunny through the day. Snow/rain line at valley bottom overnight, daytime treeline high around -2°C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
