Stick to conservative terrain free from overhead hazard.
Avoid large, steep and open slopes at higher elevations where persistent weak layers are more triggerable.
Wind slabs can be found on all aspects, however fresh and reactive slabs will likely form on north facing slopes, most reactive where they overly surface hoar.
Surface hoar and facets buried in the upper snowpack has produced recent avalanche activity. Large loads or step down avalanches may initiate avalanches on the deeper buried February layer.
Several naturally triggered persistent slab avalanches were reported on Monday, to size 2.5. Natural and rider triggered wind slabs were also reported, on south facing slopes to size 2.
We expect this activity to continue in areas that see rapid loading from new snow and wind on Wednesday.
Storm snow will accumulate over wind affected surfaces at higher elevations, with deeper deposits expected in north facing terrain features. Older wind slabs likely still linger below, found on all aspects. Lower elevations will receive a mix of rain and wet snow.
Two layers of concern currently exist in the upper-mid snowpack. Surface hoar on a crust can be found 20 to 60 cm deep. And a layer of facets, surface hoar and/or a crust from mid-February is buried 50 to 100 cm deep.
The remainder of the snowpack is well consolidated with no current concerns.
Tuesday Night
Cloudy with 5 cm for most areas, up to 10 cm in coastal terrain. 50 to 80 km/h southwest ridgetop winds, increasing overnight. Treeline temperature -4 °C.
Wednesday
Cloudy with up to 10 cm of snow widespread, potential for 30 cm in immediate coastal areas. 50 to 80 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C as freezing levels rise to 1300 m.
Thursday
Cloudy with flurries. 40 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C as freezing levels rise to 1200 m.
Friday
Cloudy with 5 to 10 cm of snow. 40 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C, freezing levels rise to 1000 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
