Expect danger to rise rapidly throughout the day.
Avoid avalanche terrain as natural avalanche activity is expected.
A weak layer of facets above a thick crust persists in the snowpack in isolated areas. Storm slab avalanches may step down to this layer resulting in very large, destructive avalanches.
Storm slabs will be most reactive in wind affected features, especially where new snow falls over a crust as it's expected to bond poorly.
Low elevations may see rain or heavy, wet snow.
Natural avalanches occured in northern areas following the recent 50 cm snowfall and strong winds.
Widespread natural avalanche activity is expected to begin again on Wednesday as storm and wind build fresh and reactive slabs.
By Wednesday afternoon, this storm is expected to deliver 90 cm in the west, with totals closer to 40 cm elsewhere. Storm snow will overlie a widespread crust in most areas, except northern areas where storm snow will fall on heavily wind-affected snow.
The mid and lower snowpack is generally well consolidated, with several crust layers. Most areas below treeline are still below threshold for avalanches.
Tuesday Night
Mostly cloudy with up to 20 cm of snow. 40-60 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Freezing levels rise overnight to 1000 m.
Wednesday
Heavy snowfall, 30 to 70 cm of new snow. Highest accumulations are expected in the southwest. 80-100 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 1200 m.
Thursday
A mix of sun and cloud. 5-15 cm of snow. 20-40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 800 m.
Friday
A mix of sun and cloud. 5-20 cm of snow. 20-40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 800 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
