Triggering large storm slabs will be most likely in wind affected terrain.
Persistent slabs remain possible to human trigger at treeline and above.
Persistent slabs remain possible to human trigger at treeline and above, especially in areas without a supportive crust above the weak layer.
25 to 40 cm of recent snow and strong southwest winds have formed storm slabs that will be most reactive in wind-affected terrain.
Expect natural wet loose avalanches to occur when the sun warms the dry snow for the first time.
Several skier triggered size 1 storm slabs were reported on Wednesday.
Avalanche activity is expected to increase on Thursday with the new snow and wind.
25 to 40 cm of recent snow and strong southwest winds have formed storm slabs that will be most reactive in wind-affected terrain.
Below the recent snow is a 1 to 10 cm thick crust. The thickness of the crust depends on elevation.
At upper elevations, where the crust is thinner or not present, it may still be possible to trigger persistent slabs on multiple buried weak layers of surface hoar and/or crusts in the top 120 cm of the snowpack.
In shallow snowpack areas, depth hoar (large facets) can be found near the bottom of the snowpack.
Thursday Night
Mostly cloudy. 0 to 5 cm of snow. 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -11 °C.
Friday
Mix of sun and clouds. 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -11 °C.
Saturday
Mix of sun and clouds. 0 to 5 cm of snow. 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -11 °C.
Sunday
Sunny. 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -13 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
