Allow time for the snowpack to stabilize after recent snow and wind loading.
Recently formed storm slabs remain reactive following heavy snowfall and wind since Tuesday. A weak surface hoar layer beneath the slabs could make them very touchy.
Natural avalanches have likely been occurring on Wednesday, particularly in areas with more than 30 cm of new snow and on wind-loaded slopes.
At the time of publishing, we have not received any reports of avalanche activity.
As much as 30 cm of new snow has fallen since Tuesday night. Deeper deposits of snow have likely formed in lee-facing terrain features at upper elevations from recent southwest winds.
Below the recent snow, the upper snowpack has a mix of crusts and surface hoar layers approximately 30 to 60 cm deep. However, assessing the distribution of current weak layers is difficult because in some areas a freezing rain crust destroyed or buried the surface hoar.
The lower snowpack is strong and bonded. Treeline snow depths range from 100 to 180 cm.
Wednesday Night
Partly cloudy. 40 to 50 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.
Thursday
Cloud increasing through the day. 20 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C.
Friday
Mostly cloudy with 5 to 15 cm of snow. 30 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C.
Saturday
Mostly sunny. 10 to 20 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +2 °C. Freezing level 2300 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
