Stick to conservative, low-angle slopes with no overhead hazard.
Human and naturally triggered avalanches are likely and could occur at all elevations.
With increased load, the buried weak layers from early February (facets, surface hoar and crusts) in the upper metre of the snowpack may become more reactive, producing widely propagating avalanches.
Storm snow will remain reactive to human triggering. On slopes where wind loading is still occurring natural avalanches will be likely as well.
We expect a natural avalanche cycle occurred on Wednesday but at the time of publishing we have yet to receive reports.
Numerous Size 1-1.5 rider triggered wind slabs have been reported in the last 3 days. Recent activity has mainly occurred at treeline elevations and on west, north, and east facing slopes.
By Thursday morning, storm totals are expected to reach 50 to 80 cm in most areas, up to 100 cm may have fallen on the immediate coast. This new snow was accompanied by strong to extreme southwest wind, forming deeper deposits on north and east facing terrain. In sheltered terrain this new snow could overlie surface hoar or a sun crust.
Several layers of crust, surface hoar or facets are buried in the top meter of the snowpack. These layers are most concerning on sheltered treeline features.
Below, the remaining snowpack is generally well settled and well bonded.
Wednesday Night
Mostly cloudy. 10 to 15 cm of snow. 70 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.
Thursday
Mostly cloudy. 3 to 5 cm of snow. 60 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.
Friday
Mix of sun and clouds. 2 to 5 cm of snow. 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -9 °C.
Saturday
Mostly cloudy. 2 to 5 cm of snow. 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
