Dangerous avalanche conditions continue, with large, destructive natural avalanches remaining possible.
Several buried weak layers exist throughout the snowpack. These layers will remain active as temperatures and freezing levels remain elevated.
There is evidence that weak layers near the bottom of the snowpack are starting to wake up. Avalanches on these layers will be large, destructive and may run full path.
Numerous natural, persistent, and deep persistent slab avalanche activity on Wednesday. Wet loose and wet slab activity was widespread throughout the region.
A mix of 5 to 7 cm snow, moist surfaces, and thin, breakable crusts, depending on freezing levels and timing of incoming cooler temperatures and precipitation. Below lies a complex snowpack with several weak layers:
An interface from early March, 30 to 50 cm deep, consists of a crust on sunny slopes and lower elevations, and surface hoar or facets in sheltered, shaded upper elevations.
Persistent weak layers from February and January, including crusts, facets, and surface hoar, are buried 50 to 100 cm deep and remain a concern.
The bottom of the snowpack is composed of large facets, which are showing signs of becoming reactive again, with some very large avalanches recently failing on this layer.
Wednesday Night
Cloudy, 5 to 7 cm snow, 10 to 20 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 2200 m.
Thursday
Mostly cloudy, mixed rain and snow, 3 to 5 cm. 20 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 2000 m.
Friday
Mostly cloudy with scattered flurries, 4 to 6 cm. 10 to 20 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1500 to 2000 m.
Saturday
Mostly cloudy, scattered flurries 3 to 5 cm. 10 to 15 km/h southwest wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 1700 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
