Heavy snowfall and strong to extreme winds are expected to increase the danger to HIGH by Sunday morning.
A solar-triggered avalanche cycle should also be expected on Sunday afternoon if the sky clears and the sun is strong.
Storm slabs are expected to become touchy and widespread as the storm progresses, especially in wind-loaded terrain. A natural avalanche cycle should be expected in areas which receive the most snowfall.
Solar-triggered storm slabs should also be expected on sun-exposed slopes on Sunday afternoon.
Rain at lower elevations will destabilize the upper snowpack. Loose wet avalanches are most likely at elevations where rain soaks new snowfall overlying a hard melt-freeze crust.
Loose wet avalanches are also possible on steep sun-exposed slopes at higher elevations when the sun is shining Sunday afternoon.
Stormy conditions are expected between Saturday night and Monday night expect for a brief period on Sunday afternoon when a break between systems is expected. Snowfall amounts are uncertain with weather models showing substantial variability. Areas along the immediate west coast may see higher amounts than listed.
Saturday Night: Snowfall 20-40 cm, strong to extreme SW wind, freezing level low around 1000 m.
Sunday: Snowfall in the morning 20-30 cm, sunny breaks in the afternoon, strong SW wind easing in the afternoon, freezing level high around 1200 m.
Sunday night and Monday: Snowfall 40-60 cm, strong to extreme SW wind, freezing level high around 1200 m.
Tuesday: A mix of sun and cloud, strong NW wind easing in the afternoon, freezing level high around 1200 m.
No new avalanches have been reported in the past few days but observations have been very limited.
If you are getting out in the backcountry, please consider sharing your observations to the Mountain Information Network.
The storm snow is burying a widespread, supportive melt-freeze crust. Strong southwest wind will be redistributing this new snow in exposed high elevation terrain forming touchy wind slabs. Lower elevations are expected to see a mix of wet snow and rainfall, and wet loose avalanche should be expected.
The middle and lower snowpack are generally strong and well bonded.
