Uncertainty remains regarding buried weak layers in this region, so careful snowpack and terrain assessment is crucial.
Be extra cautious around cornices and sun-exposed slopes.
Weak layers remain a concern, especially in north-facing terrain & where snowpack depth is variable. They have recently produced large avalanches and may be triggered by cornices or humans in steep, shallow terrain at upper elevations.
Periods of sun could trigger wet loose avalanches.
Reports have been limited in this region, but weekend observations indicate a widespread cycle of large persistent slab avalanches during last weekend's warm-up. The status of this problem remains uncertain, but it likely persists on north-facing terrain at treeline and alpine elevations.
Expect wet and moist surfaces on sun-exposed slopes. 10 to 20 cm of wind-affected dry snow exists at high elevations, sitting over a melt-freeze crust. Below this, the upper snowpack remains moist or wet.
Several persistent weak layers from January, February, and March can be found between 1 and 2 m deep across the region.
At lower elevations, the rain-saturated snowpack tapers quickly with elevation.
Wednesday Night
Partly cloudy. 20 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.
Thursday
Mostly sunny. 20 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 1700 m.
Friday
Sunny. 10 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +2 °C. Freezing level 2000 m.
Saturday
Mix of sun and cloud. 30 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +3 °C. Freezing level 2300 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
