Dry snow may remain in high elevation northerly terrain however, this is where triggering weak layers is most likely. Use caution in these areas and minimize exposure wherever possible.
A weak layer consisting of a crust and/or facets is buried 30 to 60 cm. Recent avalanches on this layer indicate that it remains a concern. You are most likely to trigger this problem on slopes where the snow surfaces remains dry.
On Sunday, sluffing induced by the sun was observed on steep solar aspects.
On Saturday, several natural and human-triggered wet loose avalanches were reported in steep features at treeline and below, up to size 1.5.
A rider triggered size 2, persistent slab avalanche was reported. This avalanche occurred on a west facing slope at 2000 m. See MIN for details.
A melt-freeze crust covers the snow surface on all aspects, except possibly high-elevation north-facing slopes. This overlies 30 to 60 cm of snow that sits above a crust in many areas or surface hoar/facets in wind-sheltered areas.
A weak layer, buried in late January, consists of surface hoar/facets or a crust is found down 50 to 90 cm. This remains a lingering concern. Below this, the mid and lower snowpack is generally settled and strong.
Monday Night
Mainly clear skies. 5 to 10 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C. Freezing level drops to 1000 m.
Tuesday
Increasing cloud. 10 to 25 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level rising to 1700 m.
Wednesday
Cloudy with light flurries, 5 to 10 cm of snow. 10 to 25 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.
Thursday
A mix of sun and cloud. 20 to 25 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1600 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
