Allow time for the snowpack to stabilize after recent snow and wind loading
Recently formed storm slabs will remain reactive for some time, following heavy snowfall and wind since Tuesday. A weak surface hoar layer beneath the slabs could make them very touchy.
Natural avalanches have likely been occurring on Wednesday, particularly in areas with more than 30 cm of new snow and on wind-loaded slopes.
At the time of publishing, we have not received any reports of avalanche activity.
As much as 40 cm of new snow has fallen since Tuesday night. Deeper deposits of snow have likely formed in lee-facing terrain features at upper elevations from recent southwest winds.
A surface hoar layer exists, down roughly 50 to 80 cm from the surface. While its distribution is uncertain, it has the potential to become reactive as a slab forms above it.
Treeline snow depths range from 120 to 180 cm.
Wednesday Night
Mostly cloudy. 40 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.
Thursday
Mix of sun and cloud. 40 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.
Friday
Mix of sun and cloud with 0 to 2 cm of snow. 30 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level climbing to 2200 m.
Saturday
Sunny. 20 to 30 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +1 °C. Freezing level 2400 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
