Hazard will increase through the day as temperatures rise and the sun strengthens.
A recently buried weak layer may be just deep enough in wind-loaded terrain to produce slab avalanches.
Deeper deposits of wind-loaded snow may exist in exposed slopes at treeline and above. Beneath these wind slabs lies a crust and/or weak surface hoar crystals that could make them surprisingly reactive.
Clear skies and above-freezing temperatures throughout the day will weaken the upper snowpack and likely lead to wet loose avalanche activity.
No new avalanches have been reported in this region.
If you are heading into the backcountry, please share your observations with the Mountain Information Network.
A mix of refrozen, crusty snow and moist snow is expected on the surface by Friday morning, depending on the extent of an overnight refreeze. With above-freezing temperatures and sunny skies, moist snow is likely on all aspects and at all elevations by the afternoon.
On average, 5 to 10 cm of wind-affected snow overlies a widespread melt-freeze crust, ranging in thickness from 5 to 20 cm. Beneath the crust sits 10 to 20 cm of unconsolidated faceted snow. In wind-sheltered terrain, surface hoar may be present on top of the crust.
The mid and lower snowpack is generally well settled, with no significant concerns.
Thursday Night
Clear skies. 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 3 °C. Freezing level 3600 m.
Friday
Mostly sunny. 50 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 3 °C. Freezing level 3400 m.
Saturday
Mostly sunny. 60 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 1900 m.
Sunday
Mostly cloudy. 5 to 10 mm of precipitation as snow or rain at treeline. 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1900 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
