Continuously assess conditions as you travel.
Wind slabs are possible in wind affected terrain and dry loose avalanches are possible where snow is unconsolidated.
Recent snow that was accompanied by strong southerly wind has formed wind slabs in exposed terrain. These slabs may remain reactive due to the underlying crust.
Dry loose avalanches are possible where new snow hasn’t formed a slab.
A few small storm and wind slab avalanches were reported in the region on Wednesday and Thursday. These avalanches occurred predominantly at treeline but one was triggered on a north aspect below treeline.
If you are heading into the backcountry, please share your observations by posting a MIN. Shout out to those who have been submitting.
By Friday afternoon another 5 cm could accumulate in the region. Strong southwest wind is expected to continue to redistribute snow into deeper deposits on north and east aspects.
The 10 to 20 cm thick crust that formed as a result of the atmospheric river event is found down 40 to 60 cm, the exception is wind scoured features in the alpine where it may be on the surface. This crust extends up to at least 2000 m in the north and 2500 m in the south. Moist snow is found beneath this crust.
The early February crust is found at depths of 100 to 160 cm. This layer is not currently a concern.
The remainder of the snowpack is generally well settled and bonded.
Thursday Night
Mostly clear skies. 1 cm of snow. 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C.
Friday
Mix of sun and clouds. 2 to 5 cm of snow. 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.
Saturday
Mix of sun and clouds. 3 to 10 cm of snow. 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C.
Sunday
Mix of sun and clouds. 2 to 5 cm of snow. 20 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
