Dangerous avalanche conditions are expected.
Start with simple terrain and investigate the bond of the new snow before increasing your exposure to avalanche terrain.
Persistent weak layers of surface hoar/facets or crust remain a concern in the upper 50–100 cm. Storm slab avalanches could step down to these layers, forming very large avalanches.
Storm slabs may still be rider-triggered. Avoid lee areas.
Wet loose avalanches may still be rider-triggered at lower elevations.
Reports have been limited during the stormy period, but widespread avalanche activity with slabs up to size 3 has been reported in the southern parts of the region. Several cornice collapses, some of which triggered slabs below, have also occurred.
On Friday, a large (size 3) persistent slab was observed near Blue River on a south-facing treeline slope.
Up to 35 cm of new snow has accumulated, building widespread storm slabs. Lower elevations are likely moist or wet. There is a significant concern for storm slabs to step down to deeper persistent weak layers. These consist of surface hoar, facets, or a crust:
The early March layer down 50–100 cm. This is the primary weak layer of concern.
Mid-Feb & Late-Jan layers down 80–180 cm. Concern for these is in shallow or rocky areas. Otherwise, they are unlikely to trigger without a significant load like a cornice failure or storm slab in motion.
Monday Night
Partly cloudy. 20 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C.
Tuesday
Cloudy with 5 cm of snow. 20 to 30 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.
Wednesday
Cloudy with 10 to 20 cm/mm of snow or rain with snowline climbing to 2500 m by end of day. 25 to 30 km/h south ridgetop winds. Treeline temperature +4 °C freezing level 2700 m.
Thursday
Cloudy with 10 to 20 cm of snow or rain below 1500 m. 25 to 30 km/h south ridgetop winds. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level falling to 1700 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
