Avoid avalanche terrain.
The combination of ongoing snowfall, strong wind, and a persistent weak layer means avalanches are almost certain.
Expect deeper and more touchy slabs in wind affected terrain.
Storm snow sits over surface hoar and a crust, human and naturally triggered avalanches are almost certain.
Over the past 4 days numerous storm slab avalanches up to size 2.5 have been observed in the region. These avalanches were triggered naturally, remotely, and by riders at all elevations. Most of this avalanche activity has occurred on northwest through northeast aspects.
Another 60 cm of storm snow is expected by Saturday afternoon. This new snow will be accompanied by strong southerly wind, forming deeper deposits in north and east facing features.
A layer of large surface hoar is found down 60 to 100 cm in sheltered treeline features. Below treeline a crust is found at this interface.
The mid and lower snowpack is well settled with no current layers of concern. Treeline snow depths throughout the region range from 250 cm to 400 cm.
Friday Night
Cloudy. 15 to 35 cm of snow at treeline, rain below treeline. 50 to 80 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.
Saturday
Cloudy. 15 to 25 cm of snow. 40 to 70 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 1100 m.
Sunday
Mostly cloudy. 15 to 65 cm of snow at treeline, rain below. 50 to 80 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 1 °C. Freezing level 1400 m.
Monday
Mostly cloudy. 20 to 40 cm of snow at treeline, rain below. 40 to 60 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 1 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
