New snow and strong winds are building reactive storm slabs.
A persistent weak layer remains a concern in the region.
Conservative terrain choices are recommended.
The persistent layer of large surface hoar/ facets/ crust continues to be a concern in some areas. There is uncertainity around how reactive this layer remains.
10 to 25 cm of new snow combined with strong west to southwesterly winds will build reactive new storm slabs. These slabs will be thickest and most reactive on lee slopes near ridgetops.
Wet loose avalanches may be possible when the sun starts warming things up on Sunday. Back off of sunny slopes if you notice the snow surface getting moist.
Friday
Widespread wet loose sluffing to size 1.5 was observed on sunny slopes, some of which triggered small slabs.
Thursday
Explosives triggered size 3 and 3.5 slabs near Sliding Mountain in the northeastern part of the region. Numerous size 2 to 2.5 wet loose avalanches were also observed across the entire region.
Wednesday
A widespread natural persistent slab avalanche cycle up to size 2.5 occurred. A few cornice falls were also reported.
10 to 25 cm of new snow is in the forecast for Saturday night. This snow will be covering a melt-freeze crust that exists up to around 1900 m and on sunny aspects. Some of the new snow may have fallen as rain at lower elevations. Forecast strong west and southwesterly winds will be building thicker and more reactive storm slabs on lee north and easterly slopes.
The late January persistent weak layer, consisting of surface hoar/facets/crust, is currently buried 30 to 50 cm. This layer remains a significant concern, especially in the southern parts of the region.
The mid and lower snowpack is well settled.
Saturday Night
Mostly cloudy. 10 to 25 cm of snow. 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 1700 m dropping to 1200 m.
Sunday
Sunny. 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.
Monday
Mix of sun and clouds. 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C. Freezing level 1300 m.
Tuesday
Mix of sun and clouds. 2 to 5 cm of snow. 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C. Freezing level 1300 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
