Watch for changing conditions and signs of slab formation as storm snow accumulates throughout the day. Be especially cautious in wind-loaded lee areas where deeper pockets exist.
5 -15 cm of new snow is forecast to accumulate throughout the day Friday. Continually assess new storm snow for slab properties and increasing reactivity as it accumulates throughout the day. Use extra caution in wind loaded areas where you may find deeper more cohesive pockets of storm snow.
On Wednesday, numerous size 1 loose dry avalanches were observed in the alpine. These avalanches were triggered by solar input during the day.
Backcountry users should anticipate seeing in signs of instability as storm snow accumulates throughout the day.
New snow overlies wind affected surfaces in the alpine and a sun crust on solar slopes.
The mid-snowpack is generally well settled. The lower snowpack includes a layer of weak sugary crystals near the ground. These facets are slowly gaining strength and have not produced recent avalanche activity. We continue to track the layer and watch for any signs that it could wake up and produce very large avalanches.
Thursday Night
Increasing cloud through the evening with isolated flurries, trace accumulation. Southerly winds 15-30 km/h. Treeline temperature low of -10.
Friday
Cloudy with flurries, 5-15 cm accumulation. Easterly ridgetop winds 30-50 km/h. Treeline temperature high of -7.
Overnight flurries continue 4-8 cm accumulation. Winds switch to the southwest 30 km/h.
Saturday
Cloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurries, trace accumulation. Southwest ridgetop winds 25-40 km/h. Treeline temperature high of -5.
Sunday
A mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries, trace accumulation. Southwest ridgetop winds 25-40 km/h. Treeline temperature high of -2. Freezing levels rise to 1500 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
