The SPAW for our region has ended however dangerous avalanche conditions still persist, read more about this in the latest forecaster blog here.
Warm weather more snow and increased winds are forecast for our area, avalanche danger is expected to rise again this weekend.
Winds are forecast to increase through the weekend. Continued windslab growth will occur in lee features at all elevations. With warm temps the sensitivity of these slabs may decrease. If triggered windslabs could step down to the deeper persistent layer yield a large avalanche.
This layer likely requires larger triggers or thin spots to initiate. Be cautious as the days warm up, sensitivity may increase.
This problem will be at peak reactivity in the afternoon. Wet loose avalanches have potential to step down to deeper weak layers in the snowpack.
Winds picked up on Wednesday and several new natural avalanches were observed to size 3.5 in steep lee features alpine and treeline.
Moderate to strong winds forming windslabs. The upper snowpack is settling with warmer temps. Surface snow is becoming moist on solar aspects in the afternoon and refreezing overnight. Feb 3rd crust/facets are down 60-120 cm. Below this, snowpack is a well settled facet crust complex. Snowpack depths between 80 - 230 cm.
Friday
Mostly clear skies with an alpine high of -5°C. Winds moderate to strong SW. No precip.
Sat
Partially Cloudy, alpine high of -2°C. Freezing levels rise to 1850m. Light snow will start in the evening 5-10cm. Winds will be strong to extreme, SW.
Sun
Light flurries in the morning and partly cloudy by the afternoon. Winds decrease to moderate-strong SW. Alpine high of -5°C
For more info: Mountain Weather Forecast.
