Recent snow and wind have created heightened avalanche conditions at higher elevations.
Recent snow and moderate southwest wind may have formed unstable slabs in localized areas. Slab formation is most likely in the southern part of the region that has received more recent snow. There is uncertainty about how well these slabs will bond to underlying interfaces.
Wednesday night: Scattered clouds, light to moderate southwest wind, freezing level dropping to valley bottom, alpine temperatures reach -10 C.
Thursday: Increasing cloud with some light flurries in the afternoon, moderate to strong southwest wind, freezing level climbing to 1200 m in the afternoon, alpine temperatures reach -6 C.
Friday: Cloudy, 5-10 cm of new snow, moderate southwest wind, freezing level climbing to 1500 m in the afternoon, alpine temperatures reach -2 C.
Saturday: Cloudy, 5-10 cm of new snow, moderate southwest wind, freezing level climbing to 1500 m in the afternoon, alpine temperatures reach -2 C.
No recent avalanches have been reported, but mountain travel and field observations have been very limited over the past few days. Last week there were many wet loose avalanches and some large glide slabs, but cooler weather and new snow has probably fresh new wind slabs the main concern.
Recent snowfall amounts have been highly variable with some areas receiving 15-25 cm and adjacent valleys getting as little as 0-5 cm. Some of the heavier accumulations have been in the south part of the region. Periods of moderate southwest wind may have drifted the new snow into stiffer slabs at upper elevations. The new snow covers a variety of previous snow surfaces including crusts, warm snow, and wind-affected snow. It may also sit above some small surface hoar on shaded, sheltered slopes. Overall, there is some uncertainty about how well the new snow will bond to these interfaces.
Northern parts of the region have had a deep instability lingering at the base of the snowpack for most of the season, however this layer has gained strength over the past month (with the last reported avalanche on Feb 17).
