Northwest Inland

Continue to assess for signs of instability. Wind slabs may remain a lingering concern at higher elevations.

Approximately 10 to 15 cm of new snow has buried a widespread crust. Strong winds earlier this week have scoured surfaces down to the crust in most windward-facing terrain while forming deeper deposits of snow in lee terrain.

Previously problematic layers deeper in the snowpack appear to have bonded and strengthened, however, there is a low likelihood that they could remain a risk in steep, north-facing, alpine terrain.

Thursday Night

Mostly clear skies. 0 to 20 km/h variable ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C. Freezing level at valley bottom.

Friday

Partly cloudy. 0 to 20 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C. Freezing level 1400 m.

Saturday

Mostly cloudy with 0 to 2 cm of snow. 20 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1400 m.

Sunday

Mostly cloudy with 0 to 5 cm of snow. 40 to 60 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1400 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Start with conservative lines and watch for clues of instability.
• Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
• Brief periods of sun could quickly initiate natural avalanche activity.