Keep decision making conservative in this break in the storm.
Watch for reactivity in wind affected features.
Storm slabs are expected to remain reactive to human triggers. Large avalanches are possible due to heavy accumulations of storm snow. Avoid steep open slopes and wind loaded features.
At low elevations where precipitation fell mostly as rain, wet avalanches are possible. Back off slopes that hold wet or slushy surface snow.
Natural avalanche activity is expected to have occurred throughout Thursday and Thursday night as snow, wind and rain hammer the snowpack.
Above 1000m, over 50 cm of storm snow can likely be found, redistributed into deeper deposits on north facing terrain features by strong southerly winds.
Storm snow has fallen over settling snow at high elevations. Heavy rain (or wet snow) has likely saturated the snow surface and lower elevations. As freezing levels fall on Friday this may freeze into a hard crust.
The middle and lower snowpack are strong and well-bonded.
Thursday Night
Cloudy, with another 25 cm possible overnight. Strong to extreme southerly winds. Freezing levels between 1200-1500 m.
Friday
Snow/rain eases early morning. Skies remain cloudy with up to 5cm possible in isolated areas. Moderate southwest winds. Freezing levels around 1000 m.
Saturday
Snow returns, 15 cm for most areas. Strong southwest winds. Freezing levels around 1000 m.
Sunday
Moderate snowfall continues. Strong to extreme southerly winds. Freezing levels rise towards 1500 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
