Monitor new snow amounts and reactivity as you investigate the outcome of the storm. Be ready to back off from avalanche terrain where you encounter signs of instability.
Although wind loaded areas are the most suspect, slab distribution will become more widespread s new snow accumulates. Surface hoar at lower elevations may cause surprising reactivity.
Rising freezing levels and rain at lower elevations will increasingly promote wet loose activity again on Friday. This activity will be limited to recent snow accumulations.
Skier traffic and ski cutting produced a few size 1 to 1.5 wind slabs in the region on Wednesday, consistent with an expected uptick in avalanche conditions with ongoing storms. The coastal region has been experiencing a larger, more widespread natural avalanche cycle. Expect conditions inland to increasingly follow this pattern as snowfall continues.
Observations remain limited by difficult weather, so be sure to post your observations to the MIN if you get out!
15 - 25 cm of new snow should accumulate by end-of-day Friday, bringing new snow totals to a wind-redistributed 30 - 40 cm, roughly. The new snow has buried heavily wind-affected and crusty surfaces almost everywhere.
In shelter below 1000 - 1400 m there is large surface hoar on the old surface that will promote reactivity where slabs form over it. Warming and loose wet avalanche conditions may help neutralize the problem at these lower elevations.
The mid and lower snowpack is well settled with no current layers of concern. Treeline snow depths throughout the region range from 150 cm to 250 cm.
Thursday Night
Cloudy with flurries bringing 10 to 15 cm of new snow, light rain below about 1300 m. 40 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C to 1 °C. Freezing level reaching 1500 m briefly.
Friday
Cloudy with continuing flurries bringing 5 - 10 cm of new snow, light rain below about 1200 m. 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 1300 - 1400 m.
Saturday
Becoming a mix of sun and cloud after isolated flurries overnight with minimal accumulation. 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level rising from valley bottom to 1100 m.
Sunday
Mostly cloudy with scattered flurries bringing about 5 cm of new snow. 40 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 1300 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
