If we get more snow than is forecast, the danger rating will increase. Assess wind-loading patterns carefully.
Weather Forecast
Friday evening may bring 10-20cm (10mm water equivalency), possibly more with local influences but precipitation amounts are uncertain. There is more confidence in severe SW alpine winds with brisk winds at treeline. Front expected to dissipate Saturday a.m.. Saturday to Monday will have flurries and seasonal temperatures.
Snowpack Summary
Variable windslabs exist in the alpine and treeline locations. They are bonding well. Expect a short lived storm snow instablity to form with the current system. Weak facets dominate low elevations. Solid midpack bridges basal facets treeline and alpine.
Avalanche Summary
No Patrol Friday. Thursday's Marmot Basin Portal creek patrol revealed no new avalanches. No Patrol on Wednesday.
Confidence
Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain on Saturday
Problems
Wind Slabs
Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.
Storm Slabs
Storm Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer (a slab) of new snow that breaks within new snow or on the old snow surface. Storm-slabs typically last between a few hours and few days (following snowfall). Storm-slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.