New snow is expected to be reactive to human triggers.
Natural avalanches, cracking and hollow, drum-like sounds are classic signs of instability.
Fresh storm slabs are expected to form, most reactive where they overly a crust.
Terrain that receives less snowfall will likely only see reactivity in wind affected areas.
The last avalanche activity reported was on Tuesday, where a size 2 naturally triggered wet loose avalanche was reported from a northeast alpine face.
Looking forward, we expect new slabs to be reactive to human triggers.
15-45 cm of snow is expected by Friday afternoon, falling over dry snow on high north-facing slopes and over a crust elsewhere. The upper snowpack is generally moist, with a crust from last week's rain event.
Below treeline elevations hold isothermal snow.
A persistent weak layer from early March is buried 50–100 cm deep, as surface hoar on sheltered north and east alpine slopes. Its distribution is variable, and although no recent avalanches have been reported, it remains a concern for triggering under heavy loads or as a potential step-down layer.
Thursday Night
Cloudy with 10 to 20 cm of snow overnight. 50 to 70 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Freezing level drops to 800 m.
Friday
Cloudy with 5 to 10 cm of snow in most areas. High terrain in the west (Pine Pass to Monkman) may see up to 25 cm of snow. 50 to 70 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 1200 m.
Saturday
Mix of sun and cloud. 25 gusting to 45 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 1200 m.
Sunday
Mostly clear skies with 30 km/h west ridgetop winds. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 1200 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
