Expect varying conditions with elevation and aspect. Assess for the bond of the new snow before committing to high-consequence terrain.
Recently formed slabs could remain touchy to riders over the weekend. They rest on weak layers on northerly aspects and a hard crust elsewhere. Deeper deposits could be found in lee terrain features near ridgetop.
Wet loose activity on sun-exposed slopes is possible during the heat of the day.
The past few days saw widespread small (size 1) storm slab and loose avalanches in alpine terrain. Riders could trigger similar avalanches on Saturday. Loose wet avalanches are also expected on sun-exposed slopes during the heat of the day.
Please consider submitting your observations to the MIN if you head to the backcountry.
20 to 30 cm of recent snow accumulated over the past few days, with rain below 1000 to 1500 m. This new snow sits on surface hoar crystals that overly soft or wind affect snow on northerly alpine terrain or a hard melt-freeze crust elsewhere. Thicker deposits may be found in lee terrain features near ridgetop. Sun-exposed slopes are likely to moisten with daytime heating.
Weak faceted grains above a hard crust that formed in early February is buried around 100 to 150 cm deep. The layer is strengthening and is currently dormant.
The remainder of the snowpack is settled.
Friday Night
Clear skies. 10 to 20 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.
Saturday
Partly cloudy. 10 to 20 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 1600 m.
Sunday
Clear skies. 10 to 20 km/h north ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 1800 m.
Monday
Clear skies. 10 to 20 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 4 °C. Freezing level 2500 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
