Avoid avalanche terrain. New snow and wind will likely result in a natural avalanche cycle.
New snow and wind will form reactive storm slabs with the largest being found on west through east aspects due to strong to extreme southerly winds. Strong winds mean that slabs may be found further down slope than expected.
At lower elevations, where precipitation is more likely to fall as rain, wet loose avalanches are likely. Avoid steep terrain where even small avalanches can have serious consequences.
We suspect that a natural avalanche cycle will take place on Sunday.
Another significant storm will further saturate the snowpack at lower elevations. At higher elevations new snow accompanied by southerly winds will form storm and wind slabs.
A thick crust exists below recent storm snow at higher elevations, below this the remainder of the snowpack is well settled.
Saturday Night
Stormy with up to 35 cm of new snow expected at higher elevations. Strong southerly winds and freezing levels falling to 1400 m.
Sunday
Stormy with up to 70 cm of new snow expected at higher elevations. Strong southerly winds and freezing levels rising to 1700 m with the snowline around 1000 m.
Monday
Mostly cloudy with flurries bringing up to 5 cm of new snow at higher elevations. Light to moderate southerly winds and freezing levels rising to 1000 m.
Tuesday
Mostly cloudy with up to 20 cm of new snow possible at higher elevations. Moderate southwest winds and freezing levels rising to 1000 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
