Assess for small but reactive storm slabs.
New snow may quickly form small storm slabs over surface hoar that could be hazardous in steep or extreme terrain.
New storm slabs are expected to be small but reactive due to the large surface hoar they’ll form over.
Dry loose avalanches are likely where new snow doesn't form a slab.
Over the past 2 days several dry loose avalanches up to size 2 were reported in steep, north facing terrain. These avalanches were triggered naturally and by skiers.
By Thursday afternoon up to 20 cm of snow could overlie the late January surface hoar/crust layer. This new snow will be accompanied by southwest wind meaning that the crust will likely remain on the surface on southerly aspects and deeper deposits will be found on north and east aspects. The surface hoar is largest on sheltered treeline and below treeline features.
The mid and lower snowpack is well settled.
Wednesday Night
Cloudy. 1 to 2 cm of snow. 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.
Thursday
Cloudy. 3 to 6 cm of snow. 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.
Friday
Mostly cloudy. 5 to 20 cm of snow. 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C.
Saturday
Mix of sun and clouds. 3 to 5 cm of snow. 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
