A rain-soaked snowpack will continue to create dangerous avalanche conditions and poor riding quality.
Wet loose avalanche activity can be expected from steep terrain. These avalanches could entrain significant mass and gouge to ground in shallow snowpack areas.
Wet slab avalanches may continue to occur and could fail on buried weak layers in the upper and mid snowpack. Expect the most reactivity during periods of rain or strong sun.
A widespread natural avalanche cycle occurred in the past few days as rain impacted the snowpack. Numerous large (size 2-3) persistent slab, wet slab, and wet loose avalanches were reported on Sunday.
If poor riding quality doesn't deter you on Tuesday, keep in mind that human-triggered avalanches remain likely. Avoid overhead exposure, large natural avalanches have the potential to entrain significant mass and run to valley bottom.
Rain has created a moist or wet upper snowpack at all elevations. A weak surface crust may have formed overnight at upper elevations.
The snowpack has two buried weak layers of concern:
A layer of facets and surface hoar buried 30 to 60 cm deep, covered by a thin crust at lower elevations but remaining active higher up.
A crust and facet combo from the new year down 80 to 100 cm. This layer seems to be becoming active now that it has a significant load over it.
Currently, the mid and lower snowpack is generally well-bonded, featuring a thick crust near its base.
Monday Night
Partially cloudy with periods of light rain. Alpine wind southwest 20 to 50 km/h. Treeline temperature 3 °C, freezing level 3000 m.
Tuesday
Mostly cloudy with sunny breaks, rainfall up to 5 mm. Alpine wind south 10 to 40 km/h. Treeline temperature 4 °C, freezing level 2500 m.
Wednesday
A mix of sun and cloud with isolated showers. Alpine wind south 25 to 50 km/h. Treeline temperature 2 °C, freezing level 2500 m.
Thursday
Cloudy with mixed precipitation, up to 5 mm accumulation. Alpine wind south 20 to 50 km/h. Treeline temperature 1 °C, freezing level 2000 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
