Avoid avalanche terrain on Saturday. Intense snowfall and a reactive crust will make conditions very dangerous.
Summary
Confidence
High - on Saturday
Weather Forecast
SATURDAY: Heavy snow starting Friday night with 30-40 cm possible by the end of the day, strong south wind, freezing level around 700 m with alpine high temperatures around -2 C. SUNDAY: Some isolated flurries with clearing throughout the day, moderate northeast wind, freezing level dropping with alpine high temperatures around -6 C.MONDAY: Sunny with cloudy periods, light northeast wind, alpine high temperatures around -10 C.
Avalanche Summary
Storm snow on the crust has been reactive since Wednesday, producing both natural and skier-triggered avalanches in the size 1-2 range at treeline elevations.
See here for an example.Expect storm slabs to become much thicker and touchier on Saturday given the poor bond between the new snow and the crust.
Snowpack Summary
Storm snow is accumulating above a hard rain crust that extends into alpine terrain. Reports indicate the snow is poorly bonded to the crust. By Saturday afternoon, storm slabs will likely be over 50 cm thick and become very touchy. There are no significant layers of concern below the crust.