New snow, strong winds, and a buried weak layer are creating dangerous avalanche conditions. Human triggering is likely.
Travel in simple, low-consequence terrain.
New storm snow combined with strong southwest wind have formed touchy storm slabs, especially in areas where a weak layer of buried surface hoar exists.
No new avalanches reported Tuesday. On Monday, reports saw a natural storm slab at treeline elevation (size 1). For full details, check out the MIN HERE.
Natural avalanches remain possible and rider-triggered avalanches are likely on Wednesday with more snow, wind and warming temperatures.
Up to 50 cm of new storm snow and strong southeast winds have buried old wind-affected snow in the alpine and open treeline areas, creating fresh storm and wind slabs. Unconsolidated snow exists in areas sheltered from the wind.
A layer of weak, feathery (surface hoar) crystals is buried 30 to 60 cm. Where this layer exists the new snow will likely have a poor bond.
A crust formed in November and is buried at about 60 to 100 cm with small facets above it.
At treeline, the total snowpack is about 80 to 100 cm deep and tapers quickly at lower elevations.
Tuesday Night
Mostly cloudy. 10 to 15 cm of snow. 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C.
Wednesday
Mostly cloudy. 3 to 10 mm of precipitation as snow or rain at treeline. 20 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 1200 m.
Thursday
Mix of sun and clouds. 4 to 10 cm of snow. 20 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C. Freezing level valley bottom.
Friday
Mostly sunny. 20 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -14 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
