Bring an assessment mindset to check out the new snow situation at higher elevations and be ready to dial back your terrain choices if you encounter signs of instability.
It will take some time for the new snow to form a reliable bond with the previous surface. Steep, wind-loaded features will be the most likely to trigger.
Strong sunshine will destabilize snow on south-facing slopes on Sunday. This problem will likely be limited to new snow accumulations.
We don't have reports from Saturday's storm yet, but it's possible a small natural avalanche cycle took place at higher elevations where new snow accumulated, was blown around by extreme winds, and in some places impacted by rain. We expect some storm slab hazard still exists above the rain line, particularly where wind loading has occurred.
Saturday's storm should leave us with 25 to 30 cm of windblown new snow above treeline, tapering to a rain-soaked surface below about 1500 m.
Where snow did accumulate, it buried a widespread crust and will take some time to form a good bond. The mid/lower snowpack below it is well settled and strong, much of it containing moist snow.
Snowpack height at treeline ranges widely, from 100 to 250 cm.
Saturday Night
Cloud diminishing after the storm finishes with 15 to 20 cm of new snow above 1500 m. 20 to 60 km/h southwest ridgetop wind, easing. Treeline temperature falling to -3 °C with freezing level dropping from 1700 to 1100 m.
Sunday
Mostly sunny. 10 to 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind, increasing. Treeline temperature -2 °C with freezing level to 1500 m.
Monday
Becoming cloudy with flurries bringing up to 5 cm of new snow. 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C. Freezing level 1200 m.
Tuesday
A mix of sun and clouds with scattered flurries bringing up to 5 cm of new snow, including overnight. 20 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind, easing. Treeline temperature -4 °C. Freezing level 1300 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
