The mediocre spring weather will continue one more day ahead of a significant system arriving Sunday. There is a lot of variability in the conditions across our region, and with the variety of avalanche problems out there, evaluate all aspects of your planned trip carefully.
Strong south west winds have formed thin wind slabs on lee and cross-loaded features. Use caution as you transition into wind effected terrain.
Avoid exposure to steep terrain if the surface snow is wet, or there are signs of instability like pinwheeling. Weak overnight freezes, warm temperatures, and possibly some rain will keep this problem active.
The bottom of the snowpack is inherently weak with well-developed Facets and Depth Hoar. Likely triggers are cornices and smaller avalanches, and human triggering remains possible in thick to thin snowpack areas.
Don't forget to post avalanche observations to the MIN.
The surface snow is moist up to 2000m on all aspects. Moderate to strong winds have redistributed the dusting of new snow from last week. Under this there is a sun crust at all elevations on solar aspects, with mixed facets on polar aspects. The mid-pack consists of multiple layers of dense wind effected snow, sun crusts, and facets. Depth hoar and basal facets make up the base of the snowpack.
Strong southwesterly flow aloft continues on Saturday. Scattered flurries with 2-4 cm of accumulations. Ridgetop winds will be from the southwest near 40-50 km/h. Freezing levels will rise to near 2000 m by the afternoon. Alpine temperatures will rise to 0⁰C to 5⁰C.
