Snow and wind continue to build widespread slabs atop a crust. Minimize exposure to avalanche terrain until the snowpack has had time to settle and stabilize.
As much as 100 cm of snow may have accumulated atop a widespread crust in areas. Expect slabs to be larger and more likely in wind-loaded terrain.
We do not have any recent reports of avalanches, but suspect recent avalanche activity has occurred during periods of rapid loading from heavy snow and/or wind transport.
If you are heading into the backcountry, please share any observations with the Mountain Information Network.
As much as 100 cm of recent storm snow could accumulate by Thursday afternoon. In exposed terrain, strong southerly winds have redistributed this new snow, while snow in sheltered areas remains generally low-density. This snow overlies a crust from last Saturday's rain that is likely present at most elevations, except possibly in isolated high alpine areas.
A crust with facets may exist at depths of roughly 100 to 200 cm, primarily in northerly terrain at higher elevations. This layer appears unreactive but continues to be monitored.
The remaining snowpack appears to be strong and well-bonded.
Wednesday Night
Cloudy. 20 to 30 cm of snow. 80 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.
Thursday
Cloudy. 5 to 10 cm of snow. 60 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -9 °C.
Friday
Mostly cloudy. 5 to 20 cm of snow. 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.
Saturday
Mix of sun and clouds. 3 to 10 cm of snow. 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -9 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
