Increasing winds might develop fresh, sensitive wind slabs on south and west slopes. Avoid areas where snow feels stiff or slabby.
The new snow has bonded poorly to underlying layers. Avoid wind loaded areas where more cohesive slabs may be primed for human triggering. Carefully manage sluffing in steep terrain.
On Sunday, avalanche control produced several explosive-triggered storm slab avalanches size 1.5 to 2.5, and numerous dry loose avalanches, size 1 to 1.5, on northeast aspects at treeline.
On Saturday, several natural storm slab avalanches were reported up to size 2.5 on northerly aspects.
We expect new snow will remain reactive to skier traffic on Tuesday, anywhere winds have formed slabs and fast-moving dry loose avalanches in steep terrain.
Storm snow totals range from 40 to 70 cm, with deeper deposits in wind-loaded areas. Northeast winds increasing on Monday evening might develop fresh wind slabs on south and west facing slopes.
The storm snow has bonded poorly to the old snow surfaces, which includes melt-freeze crusts on sun-exposed slopes, large surface hoar or facets in sheltered areas, and wind-affected snow in exposed terrain at ridgelines.
The lower snowpack is strong and bonded.
Monday Night
Cloudy with light flurries, 1 to 2 cm. 20 to 35 km/h east ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -27 °C.
Tuesday
Cloudy with light flurries, 1 to 3 cm. 10 to 25 km/h east ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -26 °C.
Wednesday
Mainly sunny. 10 to 25 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -16 °C.
Thursday
Clear. 10 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -14 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
