The new storm snow will take time to settle.
Start with conservative lines and watch for clues of instability.
New snow accompanied by strong southwest winds will build fresh storm slabs. Be especially cautious on northerly, wind-loaded terrain where deeper, more reactive slabs are expected to form.
Over the past weekend, several rider-triggered wind slabs were reported from north-facing alpine terrain (size 1-1.5). The likelihood of avalanches will peak on Tuesday night with ongoing strong winds and rain turning into snow.
At lower elevations, rain has created a moist snow surface. New snow will accumulate over moist snow or a crust on all aspects and elevations except north-facing alpine where the snow remains dry.
The facet/crust layer that produced large avalanches during early March is buried 150-250 cm deep and is currently considered unreactive.
Tuesday Night
Cloudy with 15 to 20 cm of new snow expected. Ridgetop winds southwest, 40 to 60 km/h. Treeline temperature drops to -5 °C. Freezing level dropping to 800 m.
Wednesday
Cloudy with sunny periods and isolated convective flurries. Ridgetop winds southwest, 20 to 30 km/h. Treeline temperature -5 °C. Freezing level rising to 1200 m.
Thursday
A mix of sun and cloud. Ridgetop winds northeast, 30 to 40 km/h. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level rising to 1500 m.
Friday
A mix of sun and cloud. Ridgetop winds northeast, 10 to 20 km/h. Treeline temperature +2° C. Freezing level rising to 2000 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
