Lower elevations have transitioned to Spring-like conditions. However, at higher elevations a winter snowpack persists. As we enter another storm cycle, continue to monitor snow amounts and winds as this will change drastically day by day.
Windslabs in open alpine areas near the tops of some routes. Lots of uncertainty with regards to this problem and how it is bonding to the underlying surface.
Facets near the base of the snowpack may be triggered from thin areas. On the solar aspects, full depth avalanches are possible as slopes heat up through the day. Low probability -high consequence avalanches should be in your mind.
Snow below treeline and even in to treeline has mostly disappeared with the exception of in gully's and canyons (Ice climbing terrain) In the early hours this will be frozen and provide easy travel and safer avalanche conditions, as the day warms or the sun's input on the slopes the snowpack will deteriorate condition's quickly
We are just about to head into another sizable spring snowstorm. Keep this is mind and consider terrain above your head as the day goes on.
Field observations from the Ghost are limited so please post what you are seeing on the MIN
Cold temperatures will descend on the region until Sunday morning. This will be accompanied with some snow, 20cm or so and lots of winds. The "spring" mindset is a bit on hold until a proper diurnal cycle returns. Occasional snow storms will cross the region creating elevated hazards as they pass. Other weather elements that will increase the hazard are rain and or intense sun. Many areas at lower elevations have lost there snow cover but treeline and above is still fairly winter like.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
