Reactive wind slabs likely exist at higher elevations where dry snow remains, while loose wet avalanches are expected with high freezing levels and little to no overnight refreeze.
Wind slabs formed earlier in the week persist. New snow and strengthening winds over the weekend may create additional wind slabs in some areas.
Wet loose avalanches are most likely during periods of direct solar input and as temperatures rise later in the day.
Several small avalanches (size 1 to 2) were reported over the last couple of days. In general, loose wet avalanches were reported on steep, sun-exposed slopes, while a mix of loose dry, wind slab, and storm slab avalanches occurred at higher elevations on shaded slopes where dry snow persists.
If you’re heading into the backcountry, please consider submitting a MIN report—observations are particularly limited this time of year.
In alpine terrain, up to 40 cm of recent snow continues to settle and bond atop crusty surfaces in all but high-alpine north-facing slopes, where a crust below the recent snow is unlikely. Deeper deposits of wind-loaded snow can be found in leeward terrain from recent southwesterly winds.
In most areas at treeline and below, the upper snowpack is moist, and possibly even isothermal at low elevations.
Check out this Conditions Update video for tips on managing the current spring conditions.
Saturday Night
Cloudy. 2 to 4 mm of precipitation as snow or rain at treeline. 30 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 1300 m.
Sunday
Cloudy. 1 to 5 mm of precipitation as snow or rain at treeline. 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 1 °C. Freezing level 1400 m.
Monday
Mostly cloudy. 1 mm of rain at treeline. 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 2 °C. Freezing level 1600 m.
Tuesday
Mix of sun and clouds. 1 to 2 mm of precipitation as snow or rain at treeline. 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 1200 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
