6 am update: Heavy snowfall and strong wind will make for very dangerous avalanche conditions this weekend.
New snow is likely to be most reactive
in wind-loaded leeward terrain features at upper elevations
lower elevations where new snow is warming above 0 for the first time
Loose wet avalanches will become increasingly likely at lower elevations as temperatures rise above 0 and snow turns to rain.
During the storm last week, a widespread storm slab avalanche cycle was reported to size 3. The subsequent break in weather was accompanied by a sharp drop off in avalanche activity.
Natural avalanche activity is expected to renew with more snow and wind this weekend.
By the end of the the day Sunday, 30 to 50 cm of new snow will have accumulated over the weekend. At upper elevations, wind has loaded new snow into deep deposits in leeward terrain features. At lower elevations, the new snow experiences rapid settlement as temperatures begin to rise.
In general, this season's upper elevation snowpack is shaping up as the ideal coastal snowpack; deep, strong and uncomplicated. Snowpack depths in excess of 300 cm can be found at treeline elevations.
Saturday night
Cloudy. 5 to 10 cm of snow. 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.
Sunday
Cloudy. 15 to 25 cm of snow. 90 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature rising to 0 °C. Freezing level rising to 1200 m.
Monday
Cloudy. 40 mm of mixed precipitation overnight then changing to light snow flurries in the morning. 60 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +1 °C in the morning, cooling to -2 °C. Freezing level 1700 m dropping to 800 m.
Tuesday
A mix of sun and cloud. 5 to 10 cm of snow. 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 500 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
