Reactive storm slabs may exist at upper elevations. Stick with a conservative trip plan and watch for signs of instability.
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Reactive storm slabs are likely, especially on north facing (leeward) wind-loaded slopes. Back off if you encounter signs of instability like warming from the sun, whumpfing, shooting cracks or recent avalanches.
On Wednesday, numerous natural storm slab avalanches were reported up to size 2. Explosive control reported numerous (size 1) storm slabs that were running on the firm crust buried below (30 cm deep) at below treeline elevations.
Storm slabs will likely continue to be reactive on Friday, especially on north-facing slopes that have seen additional wind loading.
Another 30 cm blanketed the region by Thursday morning. This brings storm snow totals in the alpine to over 110 cm since the weekend. High north-facing slopes may see deeper deposits of wind-transported snow. At treeline and below, the new snow sits above a crust on all aspects except in high north alpine slopes. The snow reportedly has a good bond to the underlying crust.
Below this, the snowpack is well settled and strong.
Thursday Night
Cloudy with some flurries up to 5 cm. 20 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C. Freezing level 300 m.
Friday
Cloudy with some sunny periods and isolated flurries. 15 to 30 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 800 m.
Saturday
Cloudy with 5 to 15 cm of snow. 40 to 50 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 800 m.
Sunday
Snow heavy at times up to 30 cm. 15 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 1000 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
