Choose conservative terrain
Storm slabs are expected to increase in size and likelihood throughout the day
If you observe natural avalanches or more than 30 cm of new snow treat danger as high
Up to 30 cm of new storm snow expected throughout the day will increase the size and sensitivity of storm slabs. The largest and most reactive will be found on northerly aspects near ridge crests.
Over the past couple days, several natural storm/wind slabs (size 1.5–2.5) were observed on north and east alpine slopes.
Fast-running sluffing was also reported from steep, sheltered slopes throughout the region, both from natural and human triggers.
An additional 30 cm of storm snow could accumulate by the end of the day on Friday. This new snow will be accompanied by moderate southerly wind, forming deeper deposits on north aspects at treeline and above.
70 to 110 cm of settling snow sits over a prominent crust formed in mid-December that extends up to 2300 m. Where this crust is thick and supportive, it effectively caps a few weak layers from December and November, making them difficult to trigger. These layers, now over 150 cm deep, may still be a concern in the high alpine where the crust is thin or nonexistent.
Thursday Night
Cloudy. 5 to 10 cm of snow. 25 to 40 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.
Friday
Cloudy. 5 to 20 cm of snow. 20 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.
Saturday
Mix of sun and clouds. 3 to 5 cm of snow. 20 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -16 °C.
Sunday
Mix of sun and clouds. 1 cm of snow. 20 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -15 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
