Lingering wind slabs remain a concern at upper elevations, especially on northerly aspects. Watch for denser, deeper drifts near ridge-crests and rollovers.
Pay attention to the pattern of wind-drifting in the terrain where you are traveling and watch for cracking or changes in snow stiffness.
THURSDAY NIGHT - Clear with cloudy periods / moderate west wind / alpine low temperature near -5
FRIDAY - A mix of sun and cloud / light to moderate west wind / alpine high temperature near -1 / freezing level 1600 m
SATURDAY - Mainly sunny / moderate to strong south wind / alpine high temperature near 1 / freezing level 2500 m
SUNDAY - Mainly sunny / moderate to strong south wind / alpine high temperature near 0 / freezing level 2400 m
Wind slabs may still be possible to trigger, particularly on northerly aspects in the alpine. Large cornices remain a concern, especially during the heat of the day.
There was one size 1.5 cornice reported on Wednesday and a few reports of small dry loose avalanches on Monday in the north of the region.
Wind slabs can be found on leeward slopes at upper elevations and may still be possible to trigger. Solar aspects likely have a crust on the surface, and soft, dry snow can likely be found in sheltered, shaded areas. Massive cornices exist on ridgelines, which can also act as triggers on slopes below.
In the north of the region, a weak layer of facets buried in mid-February may still be found on north aspects near treeline but has been gaining strength. The lower snowpack is generally well settled and strong.
In the south of the region, the mid and lower snowpack is generally well consolidated with no concerns of buried weak layers.
