Relatively thin but reactive slab avalanches have occurred in recent snow sitting over a hard crust. These are most likely triggered in wind-affected terrain and on slopes that face the sun.
Winds blew hard from the southwest then turned northwest leaving exposed areas highly variable. The recent snow sits above a hard crust and could be easily triggered where wind deposits exist and on slopes exposed to the sun.
FRIDAY NIGHT: Clear and cold. Strong northwesterly winds are expected overnight.
SATURDAY: Clear in the morning with increasing cloud. Light northwesterly winds. Freezing level 700 m.
SUNDAY: Light snow, around 5 cm. Moderate southwesterly winds. Freezing level 1100 m.
MONDAY: 30 cm new snow expected. Strong southwesterly winds affecting all elevations. Freezing level around 900 m.
On Thursday, skier triggered storm slab avalanches up to size 2 were reported on all aspects. The new snow is sitting on a hard rain crust and may remain reactive to human triggers; especially in wind affected terrain or on slopes that face the sun.
15-20 cm of new snow sits on top of a hard rain crust that exists all the way to the tops of the North Shore mountains. These storm slabs will react readily on steep slopes facing the sun. They may also be reactive in wind affected terrain.
The snowpack below the rain crust is well settled and strong in most areas.
