Snow is coming! Amounts are still up in the air, but we are optimistically hoping for 10-20cm by Sunday. The ratings for Saturday take the higher amounts into consideration, but expect hazard to rise with any new snow.
If the snow materializes tomorrow, expect rapid wind slab development. The crust/wind slab interface will likely be poor. Storm slabs should also be on the radar in sheltered areas.
This deeper layer will likely wake up with any new load, whether its from wind transport or new snow won't matter. Windslabs may even step down to this layer. Treat the deep layers with respect and don't underestimate it.
Despite being warm and windy, the loose wet activity has stopped. Nothing new from today.
Extended warm weather has done a number on our snowpack. Lots of wind scouring out there, with moderate wind loading in lee terrain. We can expect a widespread crust to form tonight, and likely stay as snow arrives tomorrow. The character of the interface will be the thing to watch as there are a few variables at play. Re-freeze timing, snow amounts and aspect distribution will all play parts in how this crust/interface develops. Aside from new crust speculation, the deeper layers are still lingering below but they are becoming less and less apparent as a crust and more apparent as a weak layer made up of depth hoar and facets.
Temperatures will cool slightly tonight and settle at -8°. Daytime high is only a degree or two warmer. Snow forecasts don't quite agree on expected amounts for tomorrow, but hey, atleast there's snow in the forecast! Expect anywhere from 10-20cm by tomorrow evening. Ridge winds will average 40km/hr from the west for most of the day.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
