Expect to find fresh and reactive wind slabs forming over the day. Avoid areas with visibly wind-affected snow, or where active wind transport is occurring.
Sheltered features likely still hold dry, loose snow with great riding conditions. Limit your exposure to sun-affected slopes if the sun comes out in your area.
As winds increase over Saturday expected new wind slabs to form on north and east facing slopes at treeline and above. Watch for wind loading as you transition to and from ridgeline features.
Snowfall amounts were higher as you head further east - giving potential for larger slabs.
Be alert to changing conditions when daytime heating and direct sun are impacting slopes. Rocks will heat up with daytime warming and may become trigger points for loose avalanches.
No new avalanches were reported in the region on Thursday.
On Tuesday, a widespread natural dry loose avalanche cycle was observed, up to size 1.5. Avalanches primarily initiated in steep alpine terrain.
If you have any observations from this region, let us know what you are seeing by submitting a report to the Mountain Information Network.
In the alpine and at treeline, 20-40 cm of storm snow is rapidly settling with daytime warming. 20-50 cm deep, a thick melt freeze crust is found up to 2200 m.
The mid snowpack is generally settled and strong at treeline and above.
A weak layer of large, sugary crystals persists at the base of the snowpack. This layer has not produced recent avalanche activity in this area, but professionals continue to monitor for signs of it becoming active.
Friday Night
Mainly cloudy with isolated flurries, and trace accumulations of snow. Light to moderate west wind. Freezing levels drop to 500 m overnight.
Saturday
A mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries, and trace accumulations of snow. Light to moderate westerly wind. Freezing levels rise from valley bottom to 2000 m.
Sunday
Mostly cloudy with isolated flurries, 1-5 cm possible. Moderate westerly wind. Freezing levels rise to 2100 m.
Monday
Mostly cloudy with light westerly winds. Flurries possible. Freezing levels remain around 2000 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
