Light precipitation combined with moderate to strong wind will likely promote wind slab formation on Sunday. If you are heading out, please share your observations on the Mountain Information Network MIN.
Recent strong north and east winds may have created fresh wind slabs in the lee of terrain features. These are likely thin but may be most reactive where they sit on a crust. Expect new snow and moderate to strong winds on Sunday to further promote new wind slab formation.
Friday Night: Cloudy with clear periods. Moderate northwest winds. Alpine high temperature around -8.
Saturday: Cloudy with sunny breaks. Moderate to strong north winds. Alpine high temperature around -5. Freezing level 1400 m.
Sunday: Flurries, accumulation 5-10 cm. Light to moderate southwest wind. Alpine high temperature around -6. Freezing level 1200 m.
Monday: Scattered flurries. Moderate northeast wind. Alpine high temperature around -5. Freezing level 800 m.
No new avalanches were reported over the past couple of days.
Recent strong north and east winds have created widespread wind effect in the alpine and tree line. Sunshine has been strong enough to create a new surface crust on steep southerly slopes, thickest at lower elevations.
At lower elevations, two surface hoar layers 50-60 cm and 75-90 cm below the surface remain a concern in the northern part of the region - especially where a slab has formed on the surface from warming and/or winds. Recent warm temperatures for an extended period are likely having a stabilizing effect on these buried weak layers.
