New snow, wind & warming are forecast to cause an increase in avalanche activity.
Watch for persistent slabs to become more reactive.
Up to 15 cm of new snow combined with southwesterly winds may build reactive new wind slabs at upper elevations. Watch for wind-loaded areas, especially near ridge crests and rollovers.
The late January weak layer may get overloaded by a combination of new snow, wind and warming. When in doubt, stick to more conservative terrain.
On Thursday, a size 1.5 naturally-triggered wind slab was reported in the Lizard Range on a north-facing slope.
Additionally, numerous, size 1 to 2 dry and wet loose avalanches, both natural- and rider-triggered have been running in steep terrain over the past few days.
On Tuesday there were two reports of size 1.5 skier and snowmobile triggered persistent slab avalanches in the alpine. See details in this MIN here as well as this MIN.
Around 5 to 15 cm of new snow is expected to fall overnight and through Saturday, with the highest amounts forecast for the Lizard Range. This will add to the current 20 to 30 cm of more recent snow overlying 30 to 60 cm of facets. Below this is a persistent weak layer consisting of a crust or facets and surface hoar buried in late January. The mid and lower snowpack is generally well settled, with no other layers of concern.
Friday Night
Cloudy with 5 to 10 cm of snow. 30 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.
Saturday
Cloudy with 2 to 5 cm of snow. 30 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level rising to 1800 m.
Sunday
Mostly cloudy with 15 to 25 cm of snow or rain below 1700 m. 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level rising to 2000 m.
Monday
Mainly cloudy with 0 to 5 cm of snow or rain below 1400 m. 30 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C. Freezing level rising to 1700 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
