An abundance of recent storm snow sitting on dangerous persistent weak layers makes for a complex snowpack.
Keep it simple. Enjoy the fresh powder in low-angled, low-consequence terrain.
Weak layers remain a concern in north-facing terrain where snowpack depth is variable. These layers are still adjusting to the new snow load and may be reactive to human-triggering.
Continuous storms in the past week have left numerous storm slab interfaces in the top 80 cm of the snowpack with deeper deposits in wind-loaded terrain.
With continuous storm cycles in the past week, numerous natural and human-triggered (some remotely-triggered) storm slab and persistent slab avalanches have been reported throughout the region. These avalanches have predominantly failed in north-facing alpine and treeline terrain.
An additional 5 cm is expected on Saturday, which will bring this week's storm totals to 80 to 150 cm of new snow. This sits on a weak layer formed in early March that consists of facets or surface hoar that overlie a crust on all aspects except high north-facing slopes.
Weak layers formed in mid-February and late-January are now buried 80 to 175 cm deep.
Friday Night
Cloudy with clear periods. 5 to 15 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C. Freezing level 900 m.
Saturday
Cloudy with up to 5 cm of new snow. 15 to 50 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 C. Freezing level 1000 m.
Sunday
A mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries. 15 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C. Freezing level 1100 m.
Monday
A mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries. 20 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C. Freezing level rising to 1200 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
