7AM UPDATE: New snow and strong winds will form fresh wind slabs at upper elevations.
Freezing levels are uncertain: Snow may fall as rain at treeline and below.
Up to 30 cm of new snow combined with strong southwesterly winds will be building reactive new wind slabs on Saturday. Avoid freshly wind-loaded slopes, especially if you see blowing snow.
On Thursday, several warming-induced wet loose and glide slab avalanches were reported in the McGregors up to size 3 on all aspects and elevations.
On Wednesday, several natural slab avalanches up to size 2.5 were reported.
Looking forward, natural avalanches are possible, but human triggering is likely.
15 to 30 cm of new snow is expected on Saturday. This will bury a thick melt-freeze crust that is currently capping the snowpack on all but potentially the highest northerly terrain above 2000 m.
The new snow is forecast to arrive with strong southwesterly winds and will be building fresh slabs on lee slopes at upper elevations.
The late January persistent weak layer, consisting of surface hoar/facets/crust, is currently buried 30 to 60 cm. This layer is now expected to be generally dormant due to the thick crust bridging overtop. Lingering concern for triggering this layer remains on steep, high alpine northerly slopes.
Friday Night
Mostly clear skies. 1 to 2 mm of precipitation as snow or rain at treeline. 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level dropping to 1600 m.
Saturday
Cloudy. 15 to 30 mm of precipitation as snow or rain at treeline, with lowest accumulations in the southern parts of the region. 60 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level between 1500 m to 1800 m.
Sunday
Mix of sun and clouds. 5 to 20 cm of snow. 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 1300 m.
Monday
Mix of sun and clouds. 1 to 3 cm of snow. 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
