Uncertainty remains around persistent weak layers.
Avalanches are unlikely where a supportive crust exists—stick to simple terrain where it thins or disappears.
Wind slabs may sit over a crust, increasing reactivity. Look for signs of recent wind loading, winds have varied across the region and may be further downslope than you expect.
Surface hoar or a crust remains possible for human triggering.
Greatest concern is for north and east facing slopes at treeline, in terrain where no supportive surface crust exists.
Warm temperatures, snow/rain and strong winds produced a natural cycle of size 2-3 avalanches over the weekend.
On Sunday numerous wind slabs were human triggered in the north of the region. Check out this Gorman MIN for more details.
Up to 30 cm of snow has fallen in the north of the region, tapering to 5–15 cm elsewhere. Strong west winds have redistributed this snow at higher elevations.
Rain has formed a supportive crust to 1500 m near Golden, rising to 2200 m further south. Where this crust is absent or unsupportive, concern remains for a persistent weak layer of surface hoar or crust buried 50–70 cm deep, and up to 100 cm in deeper snowpacks such as the Dogtooth Range.
The mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled. In shallow snowpack areas, large facets or depth hoar exist near the ground.
Monday Night
Partly cloudy. 2 to 4 cm of snow. 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -12 °C.
Tuesday
Mix of sun and clouds. 1 to 3 cm of snow. 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -12 °C.
Wednesday
Mix of sun and clouds. 2 to 10 cm of snow. 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.
Thursday
Mostly cloudy. 5 to 15 cm of snow. 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
