Continually assess for wind slabs as you move through the terrain and gain elevation.
The sun packs a punch this time of year, brief periods of strong solar input could increase the reactivity of wind slabs. Be prepared to back off slopes if the surface gets moist from solar input.
Winds have been variable over the past few days and as a result, wind slabs can be found on all aspects with the largest and most reactive being found on easterly aspects. Watch for wind slab on exposed features at upper treeline and above.
On Sunday, several small pockets of windslab were reportedly reactive to natural and human triggers. Ski cutting also resulted in a few natural loose dry avalanches.
Late last week numerous natural and explosive triggered storm slabs up to size 2 were reported. These avalanches have generally been on north and east aspects at treeline and above. A couple of natural cornice falls have also been noted with additional reports of wind transport continuing to build cornices.
Storm snow has been redistributed by variable winds into wind slabs on all aspects in exposed alpine and upper treeline terrain. A sun crust is found on the surface of steep solar slopes. Up to 50 cm of soft snow from last week's storm can be found on non-wind affected slopes.
The mid-snowpack is generally well settled. The lower snowpack includes a layer of weak sugary crystals near the ground. These facets are slowly gaining strength and have not produced recent avalanche activity. We continue to track the layer and watch for any signs that it could wake up and produce very large avalanches.
Monday Night
Cloudy with clear periods and isolated flurries bringing a trace of new snow. Light southwest winds. Treeline temperatures, low of -13.
Tuesday
A mix of sun and cloud with the possibility of light flurries bringing trace amounts of new snow. Light westerly winds. Treeline temperatures, high of -10.
Wednesday
Sunny with cloudy periods. Light, gusting moderate southeast winds. Treeline temperatures, high of -12.
Thursday
A mix of sun and cloud with the possibility of light flurries bringing trace amounts of new snow. Light southeast winds. Treeline temperatures, high of -10.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
