An incoming storm is driving the avalanche danger. Reactive storm slabs will build throughout the day.
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The new snow will have a poor bond to the underlying snow surfaces and human triggering is likely. Northeast aspects will likely see deeper slabs with wind loading.
Dry loose avalanches are likely from steep terrain features.
No new reports on Wednesday.
With new snow and strong wind forecast, natural and human-triggered avalanches are likely on Friday.
Up to 20 cm of snow is forecast by Friday afternoon and will likely have a poor bond to the old snow surfaces. These consist of faceted snow, surface hoar in shaded wind-sheltered areas and a hard melt-freeze crust found on the snow surface on sunny slopes. At high elevations, the new snow buries the widespread wind effect found in wind-exposed terrain.
The mid and lower snowpack is strong.
Thursday Night
Cloudy with snow up to 10 cm. 20 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C. Freezing level valley bottom.
Friday
Cloudy with snow 5 to 10 cm. 15 gusting to 45 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1100 m.
Saturday
New snow 5 to 10 cm. 15 gusting to 80 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.
Sunday
Cloudy with flurries. 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
