Stick to conservative, low consequence slopes free from overhead hazard
Human triggered avalanches are likely and natural avalanches are possible during active wind loading
Facets, surface hoar and crusts in the snowpack continue to show reactivity to human and natural triggers, especially on sheltered north facing slopes were these layers are most likely to be preserved.
Storm snow will likely remain reactive to human triggering. On slopes where wind loading is still active natural avalanches may occur. Expect deeper and more sensitive deposits on north and east facing slopes.
A natural avalanche cycle occurred to size 2.5, primarily from north and east facing slopes at treeline and above.
Several avalanches failed on the mid-February surface hoar layer. Notably, a vehicle remotely triggered a size 2 avalanche on Thursday from 5 m away, and a rider remotely triggered a size 1.5 on Friday from 100 m away. Both occurred on northwest-facing slopes at treeline and below. These highlight a snowpack that remains very sensitive to human triggers.
Recent storm totals are 50 to 80 cm in most areas with up to 120 cm on the immediate coast. This new snow was accompanied by strong to extreme southwest wind, forming deeper deposits on north and east facing terrain. In sheltered terrain this new snow could overlie surface hoar or a sun crust.
Several weak layers of crust, surface hoar or facets are buried 100 to 200 cm deep. These layers are most concerning in sheltered treeline features. Below, the remaining snowpack is generally well settled and bonded.
Saturday Night
Cloudy. 2 to 3 cm of snow. 50 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.
Sunday
Cloudy. 2 to 3 cm of snow. 50 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.
Monday
Mostly cloudy. 3 to 5 cm of snow. 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C.
Tuesday
Mostly cloudy. 10 to 15 mm of precipitation as snow or rain at treeline. 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
