Continuously assess conditions as you travel.
Wind slabs are possible in wind affected terrain and dry loose avalanches are possible where snow is unconsolidated.
Recent snow that was accompanied by strong southerly wind has formed wind slabs in exposed terrain. These slabs may remain reactive due to the underlying crust.
Dry loose avalanches are possible where new snow does not form a slab.
Numerous naturally and skier triggered storm slabs were reported in the region on Wednesday and Thursday. These avalanches ranged from size 1 to 2 and occurred on north through east aspects in the alpine and at treeline. Wind loading was likely a factor in the location of these avalanches.
Dry loose avalanches in steep terrain continue to be reported as well.
By Friday afternoon another 5 to 15 cm could accumulate in the region, snowfall amounts are expected to be variable. Strong southwest wind is expected to redistribute snow into deeper deposits on north and east aspects.
The 10 to 15 cm thick crust that formed as a result of the atmospheric river event is found down 40 to 60 cm. This crust extends up to at least 1500 m in the north and 2000 m in the south. Moist snow is found beneath this crust.
The early February crust is found at depths of 100 to 160 cm. This layer is not currently a concern.
The remainder of the snowpack is generally well settled and bonded.
Thursday Night
Mostly cloudy. 1 to 10 cm of snow. 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.
Friday
Mostly cloudy. 3 to 5 cm of snow. 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.
Saturday
Mix of sun and clouds. 4 to 10 cm of snow. 20 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.
Sunday
Mix of sun and clouds. 1 to 2 cm of snow. 10 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -9 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
