Recent storm snow needs time to settle and gain strength. Human-triggered avalanches remain possible.
A crust with a chance of surface hoar or facets overtop is buried at least 100 cm deep and may persist as a problem in alpine terrain. Storm slabs could step down to this layer, creating larger-than-expected avalanches.
Recent snow and wind have created a widespread storm slab problem. With stormy conditions ending, natural avalanches are unlikely; however, human-triggered avalanches remain possible, especially in wind-loaded terrain.
Several size 1 to 2.5 explosive-triggered avalanches occurred Wednesday night, with an average depth of about 30 cm.
An avalanche cycle likely occurred Wednesday night into Thursday during periods of rapid loading from heavy snowfall and strong winds. While unlikely, very large avalanches may have occurred if storm slabs stepped down to the January 26 weak layer.
Natural avalanche activity is expected to decrease significantly on Friday as stormy conditions end.
Approximately 50 to 70 cm of storm snow has accumulated since early this week, with strong southerly winds redistributing snow throughout the storm.
At treeline and above, recent storm snow overlies either a crust of variable thickness or firm, settled snow. Below treeline, new snow sits on a thin crust, with moist or isothermal snow beneath.
A January 26 crust, with possible surface hoar or faceted snow above or below it, is now buried 100 cm or deeper and is likely limited to higher elevations. At lower elevations, it has likely been rain-soaked and destroyed.
The remainder of the mid and lower snowpack is generally well settled with no significant concerns.
Thursday Night
Mostly cloudy. Trace amounts of snow. Southwest ridgetop wind decreasing from 70 to 30 km/h overnight. Treeline temperature -5 °C.
Friday
Mix of sun and clouds. 20 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.
Saturday
Mostly sunny. 20 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.
Sunday
Mostly cloudy. Trace amounts of snow. 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
