The incoming storm is driving the avalanche danger. Reactive storm slabs will build throughout the day.
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The new snow will have a poor bond to the underlying snow surfaces and reactive storm slabs may build through the day. Northeast aspects will likely see deeper slabs with wind loading.
No new avalanches were reported on Wednesday.
Natural and human-triggered avalanches are likely on Friday.
15 to 25 cm of snow is forecast by Friday afternoon. The new snow will likely have a poor bond to the old snow surfaces. These consist of a thick melt-freeze crust on sun-exposed slopes, large surface hoar and/or facets on shaded slopes, and wind-affected surfaces in exposed terrain at ridgelines.
The mid and lower snowpack are generally strong and well-settled. Treeline snowpack depths average 100-150 cm.
Thursday Night
Cloudy with snow 10 to 15 cm. 20 to 60 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.
Friday
Cloudy with snow 5 to 10 cm. 15 gusting to 45 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.
Saturday
New snow 5 cm. 15 gusting to 30 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C.
Sunday
Cloudy with flurries. 10 to 20 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
