The latest storm system to hit our region will bring significant precipitation and wind.
Reactive storm slabs should be expected.
Make conservative choices today.
A major system moving into our region Sunday night will bring substantial accumulation by mid-day Monday. Strong southwest winds and warm temperatures are associated with this system. Very reactive storm slabs should be expected.
Precipitation may arrive as rain at lower elevations. This may cause the upper snowpack to become saturated and cause wet loose avalanches in steep and rocky terrain.
To the immediate north of our region, there were three wind slab avalanches reported. These were size ones that were triggered accidentally and naturally. These were found at elevations as low as below treeline.
There have been no new avalanches reported in our region this past week. This is expected to change with Sunday night's change in weather.
By Monday morning 30 cm will have accumulated overnight and join the 20 cm that has accumulated since Friday. These totals will cover a crust on solar aspects and at lower elevations, it may not bond well. Southerly winds have created wind slabs in exposed terrain.
In general, the mid and lower snowpack is well-settled and bonded.
If you are a visual learner click here to get a look and explanation of the current snowpack.
Sunday Night
Cloudy, 25 to 30 cm accumulation mixed with rain, winds southwest 35 km/h gusting to 70, freezing levels reaching 1300 m.
Monday
Cloudy with possible afternoon sunny breaks, precipitation tapering in the morning with 5 cm accumulation, winds southwest 25 km/h gusting to 50, with freezing levels rising to 1200 m.
Tuesday
Cloudy with sunny periods late in the day, 10 to 15 cm accumulation with higher amounts to the western regions, winds southwest 30 km/h, freezing levels 500 rising to 1000 m.
Wednesday
A mix of sun and cloud, trace accumulation, winds northwest 15 km/h gusting to 30, freezing levels 500 rising to 1000 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
