Up to 25 cm of snow & strong winds will build reactive slabs.
A persistent weak layer remains a significant concern.
The danger will rise as new snow accumulates.
Cornices are large and fragile this time of year, the new storm will be building them up even further. Avoid travelling on or below them.
A crust currently buried 75–150 cm has shown recent spooky reactivity, particularly in the Hurley area and zones to the north. Storm slabs could step down to this layer causing larger than expected avalanches.
Up to 25 cm of new snow on Tuesday, combined with strong southwesterly winds, will build fresh and reactive storm slabs. These slabs will be most prone to triggerig on lee northerly slopes.
On Friday & Saturday, several very large (up to size 3) slabs occurred, with most stepping down to the persistent weak layer. Some were triggered by falling cornices.
A widespread avalanche cycle occurred during last week's atmospheric river, producing many wet slab and loose avalanches up to size 3.5, some stepping down to persistent weak layers.
Incoming precipitation and wind from Tuesday’s storm are increasing the likelihood of avalanche activity.
Up to 25 cm of new snow is expected to accumulate by the end of Tuesday, accompanied by strong southwesterly winds. These conditions are set to build fresh and reactive new storm slabs.
The new snow will be falling on 2 to 10 cm of recent snow that is covering a widespread, thick and hard crust below about 1800 m, or old wind-affected snow at upper elevations.
A persistent weak layer from early March, consisting of a buried crust, is currently buried 75–150 cm. This layer has shown isolated reactivity, particularly in the Hurley area and zones north of there.
Monday Night
Mostly cloudy. 1 to 6 cm of snow. 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C. Freezing level falling to 1100 m.
Tuesday
Cloudy. 10 to 20 cm of snow, possible rain below 1400 m. 60 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level rising to 1500 m.
Wednesday
Mostly cloudy. 10 to 25 cm of snow. 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C. Freezing level rising to 1300 m.
Thursday
Mix of sun and clouds. 0 to 4 cm of snow. 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C. Freezing level rising to 1200 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
