Generally safe avalanche conditions still require terrain management. Cornices are mature and unpredictable - continue to give them a wide berth during this time of low hazard.
Expect isolated wind slabs in the alpine - be mindful of this problem especially when exposed to high consequence terrain.
Fresh cornice falls were observed on Tuesday in the Churchill Range. This could be the result of strong solar input, fresh winds and new snow and the cold temperatures making them brittle.
Building cloud on Thursday with the potential for trace amount of precipitation - winds light from the east. Friday may see additional flurries up to 6cm; flurries continue into Saturday with up to 8cm and continued light winds. Freezing level to remain at valley bottom with temperatures warming back to seasonal into the weekend.
Previous moderate north winds have created isolated wind slabs and reverse loading in wind prone areas. Marmot ski area reports these new slabs are bonding well to the previous surface. On solar aspects a 3cm sun crust exist up to 2400m under 10-15cm of snow. Likewise a 5cm melt-freeze crust exists up to 2200m on all aspects down 10cm.
Cornice triggered size 2 wind slab observed on Pyramid Wednesday - south patrol noted no new activity. On Tuesday two natural cornice falls were observed on the Churchill range. These cornices did not trigger slabs below. Also a small natural wind slab was observed around the Parker Ridge Area.
