Natural avalanche activity is expected to taper with the storm, but human-triggering remains likely.
Be especially cautious in steep, wind-loaded terrain at upper elevations.
Up to 90 cm of new snow accompanied by strong to extreme southwest winds have formed storm slabs that will be deepest and most reactive in wind-loaded terrain.
At the time of publishing, there have been no new avalanches reported. We suspect a widespread natural avalanche cycle occurred overnight on Monday and into Tuesday.
Looking forward to Wednesday, natural activity is expected to taper with the storm, but human triggering will remain likely. Be especially cautious in wind-loaded terrain where deeper, more cohesive slabs may exist.
40 to 90 cm of new snow arrived over the past few days, accompanied by strong to extreme southerly winds.
This snow falls on previously wind-affected surfaces at upper elevations. Up to 1400 m, it falls on a crust.
The remainder of the snowpack is strong, with numerous hard melt-freeze crusts.
Treeline snow depths generally range from 50 to 150 cm. Snow depth diminishes rapidly below 500 m where there has been more rainfall.
Tuesday Night
Clearing, isolated flurries in the evening. Alpine wind northwest 30 to 50 km/h. Treeline temperature drops to -5 ºC.
Wednesday
Mainly sunny with no new snow. Alpine wind northwest 25 to 40 km/h. Treeline temperature -5 ºC.
Thursday
Sunny with cloudy periods and no new snow. Northwest outflow wind, 70 to 120 km/h. Treeline temperature drops to -10 ºC.
Friday
Mainly sunny with no new snow. Alpine wind northwest 30 to 60 km/h. Treeline temperature drops to -15 ºC.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
