The avalanche hazard will build through the day on Saturday. Ice climbers should expect avalanches in extreme terrain.
This problem will develop on Saturday with snow accumulation and loading from strong SW winds. The locations most enticing to ski/board will be where the problem exists. Climbers may find reactive loaded pockets on approaches or between pitches.
Saturday's forecasted strong wind and new snow will lead to a loose dry problem once the snow accumulates, particularly along the Divide and Hwy 93 N where amounts are expected to be greatest.
Both loose and windslab natural avalanches are expected as the storm develops through Saturday and overnight to Sunday.
Over the past week, small slab avalanches were triggered and observed in lee loaded features and were posted to the mountain information network.
At treeline snow depths are 15-30 cm. In the alpine, lee features have 40-80 cm of wind-loaded snow with a weak faceted base. The incoming storm may double the snowpack in a 24 hour period!
Saturday 10-20 cm forecasted with highest amounts along the Divide and Hwy 93-N. Strong to extreme SW winds. Freezing levels 1600-1800 m with rain in the valley bottoms.
Overnight - Another 5-15 cm of snow with rain at the valley bottoms. Greater amounts will occur along the Continental Divide and along HWY 93 N.
Storm totals will range from 15-35 cm.
Sunday skies clear.
