New snow and wind has a buried weak layer and created dangerous avalanche conditions.
Human triggering is likely.
Travel in simple, low-consequence terrain.
New storm snow combined with strong southwest wind have formed touchy storm slabs, especially in areas where a weak layer of buried surface hoar exists.
No new avalanches reported on Wednesday.
On Monday, reports saw a natural storm slab at treeline elevation (size 1). For full details, check out the MIN HERE.
Natural avalanches remain possible and rider-triggered avalanches are likely on Thursday as the storm slab slowly settles.
Up to 50 cm of new storm snow and strong southeast winds have buried old wind-affected snow in the alpine and open treeline areas, creating fresh storm and wind slabs. Unconsolidated snow exists in areas sheltered from the wind.
A layer of weak, feathery (surface hoar) crystals is buried 30 to 60 cm. Where this layer exists the new snow will likely have a poor bond.
A crust formed in November and is buried at about 60 to 100 cm with small facets above it.
At treeline, the total snowpack is about 80 to 100 cm deep and tapers quickly at lower elevations.
Wednesday Night
Mostly cloudy. 4 to 5 cm of snow. 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C. Freezing level 400 m.
Thursday
Mix of sun and clouds. 20 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C. Freezing level 0 m.
Friday
Mostly cloudy. 1 to 4 cm of snow. 10 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -12 °C. Freezing level 0 m.
Saturday
Mostly cloudy. 10 cm of snow. 30 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -13 °C. Freezing level 0 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
