Stick to conservative terrain this weekend. Recent storm slabs will likely remain sensitive to rider triggering, especially in wind-loaded terrain features at upper elevations.
Storm slabs exist on all aspects but they will be most reactive where wind has loaded deep deposits into lee northwest though northeast features at upper elevations.
A natural avalanche cycle was observed up to size 2 over the past few stormy days. Most were on north to east aspects at treeline and above.
Even as natural activity tapers on Saturday, rider-triggered avalanches remain likely.
50 to 100 cm of recent snow has been redistributed by wind at upper elevations. The recent snow sits over a crust on all but high north aspects.
Below the crust, the snowpack is moist and generally well consolidated. A facet/crust layer in the mid snowpack was put to the test by the significant new snow load and it does not appear to present an avalanche problem at this time.
Below treeline areas have now received enough snow to produce avalanches. Watch for "early season" type hazards such as shallowly buried stumps, rocks and creeks.
Friday night
Partly cloudy with isolated convective flurries possible. 30 to 40 km/h southerly ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C. Freezing level 300 m.
Saturday
A mix of sun and cloud with isolated convective flurries possible. 10 to 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C. Freezing level 800 m.
Sunday
Cloudy with 15 to 30 cm of snow. 40 to 60 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C. Freezing level 600 m.
Monday
A mix of sun and cloud. 10 to 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C. Freezing level 500 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
