Avalanche danger is expected to increase through the day as new snow continues to accumulate atop a widespread crust and winds increase.
Multiple weak layers 100 to 250 cm deep may persist. They are expected to be largely unreactive, but some concern remains where a strong crust near the surface is absent or where large loads, such as cornice failures, could step down.
New snow will continue to accumulate atop a widespread crust on Tuesday, increasing the likelihood and potential size of storm slab avalanches. Slabs will be most reactive on wind-loaded slopes.
Following last week’s widespread avalanche cycle, temperatures have dropped, and avalanche activity has been minimal. A few small (size 1) slab avalanches have been reported since Saturday, both natural and human-triggered, primarily in wind-loaded alpine terrain.
Avalanche likelihood and size are expected to increase with forecast snowfall over the coming days.
Approximately 10 to 30 cm of new snow accumulated over the weekend, with amounts decreasing rapidly at lower elevations. Recent westerly winds have redistributed this snow in exposed alpine terrain, creating areas of deeper wind loading.
Below approximately 2200 m, a thick crust with widespread rain runnels exists beneath the new snow. Moist snow is present below this crust.
Above 2200 m, a thinner crust or moist snow may be found beneath the recent storm snow.
Deeper weak layers may persist within the snowpack, particularly at higher elevations. However, due to the overall strength and depth of the upper snowpack, these layers are considered unlikely to be triggered.
Monday Night
Partly cloudy. 1 to 2 cm of snow. 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C. Freezing level 1600 m.
Tuesday
Cloudy. 10 to 20 cm of snow. 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.
Wednesday
Mostly cloudy. 5 to 10 cm of snow. 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.
Thursday
Mix of sun and clouds. 2 to 5 cm of snow. 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -9 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
