Dangerous avalanche conditions persist with the ongoing storm.
Avoid avalanche terrain during periods of heavy rain.
As rain thoroughly saturates the snowpack surface snow will lose cohesion likely resulting in a loose wet avalanche problem on steep slopes. Keep in mind that wet avalanches can be destructive due to their high density.
No new avalanches have been reported this week however backcountry users should expect to see evidence of a wet loose avalanche cycle from the past 48 hours of rain. Please continue to post your observations and photos to the Mountain Information Network. It helps strengthen our data gathering.
Up to 100 mm of rain in the last 24 hours is saturating the snowpack at all elevations. Previously 25 mm of snow sat upon a melt-freeze crust down 40 cm. The upper snowpack consists of moist snow overlying a few decomposing crusts formed in early January and late December. Generally, the snowpack is well-settled.
Thursday Night
Stormy, 50 mm of rain expected. Extreme southerly ridge winds gusting 80-100 km/h. A high of +4C at treeline. Freezing levels rise to 2000-2300 m.
Friday
Stormy, 25-40 mm of rain. Extreme southerly ridge winds gusting 80-100 km/h. A high of +3C at treeline. Freezing levels hover around 1800-2300 m.
By evening the storm subsides easing winds and precip.
Saturday
Mostly cloudy with isolated showers, 5-10 mm, moderate southwesterly winds gusting 30-50 km/h. A high of +2C at treeline. freezing levels drop to 1500 m.
Sunday
A mix of sun and cloud. Light variable winds gusting 20 km/h. A high of 0C at treeline. Freezing levels continue dropping to 1200 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
