Avoid complex and wind-loaded terrain.
Storm slabs may need another day or two to stabilize and bond.
Persistent weak layers of surface hoar/facets or crust remain a concern in the upper 50 - 100 cm. Storm slab avalanches could step down to these layers, forming very large avalanches.
Storm slabs are slowly gaining strength but are expected to be most reactive on north through east facing wind-loaded features at upper elevations.
Periods of sun on Saturday are expected to trigger wet loose avalanches. Avoid overhead hazard from steep sunny slopes.
Reports have been limited during the recent stormy period. On Thursday a very large (size 2.5) dry loose avalanche happened near Blue River on a south-facing alpine slope.
On Wednesday, two small (size 1) skier-triggered wind slabs occurred at treeline on a northeast-facing slope
With warming and sun in the forecast, we expect there will be potential for both natural and human-triggered large avalanches on Saturday.
Up to 60 cm of recent snow has formed widespread storm slabs. These slabs are expected to be thickest and most reactive on wind-loaded north and east-facing slopes. Sunny slopes may have moist snow during the warmest parts of the day.
Three persistent weak layers consisting of surface hoar, facets, or a crust may be found in the upper to mid-snowpack:
The early March layer buried 50 - 100 cm. This is the primary weak layer of concern.
The mid-February layer buried 70 - 150 cm.
The late January layer buried 120 - 180 cm.
The lingering concern for the Feb and Jan weak layers is in shallow or rocky areas, otherwise, these are unlikely to trigger.
Friday night
Partly cloudy with flurries of up to 3 cm possible. 25 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.
Saturday
A mix of sun and cloud. 20 km/h west ridgetop winds. Treeline temperature -5 °C.
Sunday
Mostly cloudy with 2 to 5 cm, up to 15 cm coming Sunday night. 35 to 45 km/h southwest ridgetop winds. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level rising to 1500 m.
Monday
Cloudy with 0 to 10 cm of snow. 30 to 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level rising to 1800 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
