Choose simple, well-supported terrain that is sheltered from the wind.
New snow and wind are keeping the wind slab problem alive, and increasing the chance of triggering deeper weak layers.
Isolated areas may contain much deeper deposits than anticipated, and previously shallow areas may now have reactive wind slabs sitting on weak, sugary facets.
A layer of buried surface hoar or weak, sugary facets overlying a crust may avalanche under the weight of a human, possibly even on an adjacent or overhead slope.
Several avalanche reports and snowpack tests through the week have indicated that wind slab and persistent avalanches are still a concern.
Looking forward to Friday, new snow and wind are making it more likely for a large avalanche to be triggered by a human.
Field observations have been limited, if you head out, please consider submitting a Mountain Information Network post.
Expect to find 15 to 25 cm of soft, fresh snow in sheltered areas. Strong winds are forming fresh, reactive wind slabs in leeward terrain.
The new snow covers wind-affected snow or wind-scoured crusts.
There are a variety of weak layers in the upper snowpack that could produce larger avalanches. Most concerning is a layer of weak, faceted crystals sitting on a crust 40 to 80 cm below the snow surface, seen in the snow profile photo below.
The lower snowpack is generally well-bonded and strong.
Thursday Night
Cloudy. 5 to 10 cm of snow expected. Strong south or southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline lowaround -7 °C. 5 °C colder in the north end of the forecast area.
Friday
Mostly cloudy. 2 to 5 cm of snow expected. Strong south or southwest ridgetop wind, easing to moderate by the end of the day. Treeline high around -5 °C. 5 °C colder in the north half of the forecast area.
Saturday
Mostly cloudy. 2 to 5 cm of snow expected to valley bottom. Light north ridgetop wind. Treeline high around -4 °C.
Sunday
Partly cloudy. 0-2 cm of snow expected to near valley bottom. Moderate south ridgetop wind. Treeline high around -3 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
