Hazard will increase with elevation as the most reactive slabs will be found on steep wind-affected slopes.
As the recent snow gradually settles there will still be some unstable slabs at upper elevations. The most likely terrain is wind-loaded slopes, especially along ridgetops, but storm slabs may still be possible on any steep convex slope.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT: Partly cloudy skies, no precipitation, light to moderate wind from the southwest, treeline temperatures drop to -6 C with freezing level dropping to valley bottom.
THURSDAY: Sunny periods in the morning then increasing cloud throughout the day, moderate wind from the southwest, treeline temperatures around -2 C with freezing level climbing to 1700 m.
FRIDAY: Cloudy with flurries easing off in the morning bringing 5 to 10 cm of new snow, moderate wind from the southwest, freezing level around 1600 m.
SATURDAY: Cloudy with flurries starting midday brining trace amounts of snow, light wind from the southwest, freezing level around 1800 m.
A natural storm slab avalanche cycle occurred on Tuesday with many large slab avalanches (size 1.5 to 2) at upper elevations and wet loose avalanches below treeline. Preliminary reports from Wednesday suggest storm slabs were still reactive to explosive triggering. The new snow will likely remain reactive to human triggering in some steep high elevation terrain.
Recent snowfall amounts taper with elevation. There is 20 to 35 cm of heavy powder at upper elevations, while warm temperatures have left moist and crusty snow below 1600 to 1800 m. Several crusts can be found in the upper snowpack and recent observations suggest the snow is well bonded to these crusts.
