New snow has created heightened avalanche conditions at higher elevations.
Light accumulations of snow and recent strong southwest wind have potentially formed wind slabs in steep alpine terrain. There is uncertainty about how well these slabs will bond to underlying interfaces.
A few days of clear weather before stormy weather arrives on Friday.
TUESDAY NIGHT: Clearing skies, light north wind, freezing level drops to valley bottom, alpine temperatures drop to -12 C.
WEDNESDAY: Mostly sunny with a few clouds, light north wind, freezing level climbing to 1200 m in the afternoon, alpine temperatures reach -4 C.
THURSDAY: Increasing cloud with light flurries in the evening, light to moderate southwest wind, freezing level climbing to 1000 m in the afternoon, alpine temperatures reach -6 C.
FRIDAY: 5-10 cm of new snow, light southwest wind, freezing level climbing to 1200 m in the afternoon, alpine temperatures reach -4 C.
A few small dry loose avalanches were reported on Monday, however mountain travel and field observations have been very limited over the past few days. Last week there were many wet loose avalanches, but cooler weather and a dusting of new snow has probably made isolated wind slabs the main concern this week.
5-15 cm of fresh snow now covers moist and crusty layers that formed over the past week. There is some uncertainty about how well the new snow will bond to these interfaces. The snowpack is generally strong and settled, with the exception of some areas in the eastern and northern parts of the region that have weak faceted snow near the base of the snowpack. However, this layer is considered dormant and has not produced an avalanche since February 20.
