The recent storm snow will need time to settle and stabilize, and human triggering is likely.
Deep instabilities are still present and have produced recent large avalanches.
A widespread crust with weak facets overtop is buried 120-200 cm deep. While this layer exists on all aspects, it's most likely to be triggered by a heavy load on wind-loaded slopes.
Watch for newly formed and reactive storm slabs within the new snow. Potential remains for slabs to step down to deeper persistent weak layers.
A widespread natural avalanche cycle occurred during the recent storm up to size 2.5. In the Shames backcountry, numerous avalanches up to size 2 were reported. Check out the MIN here.
Natural avalanche activity will likely taper on Friday but human-triggered avalanches will remain possible.
Another 20 to 35 cm of snow is forecast by Thursday afternoon. Strong southwest wind has created widespread wind effect, with deeper deposits of snow on leeward slopes. At lower elevations, the new snow may have a poor bond to the crust found up to 1300 m.
Down 50 to 100 cm a layer of surface hoar, facets, or a thin crust exists.
A persistent weak layer of surface hoar and facets overlying a crust is buried 120 to 200 cm deep.
Thursday Night
Clear periods. 10 gusting to 40 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C. Freezing level valley bottom.
Friday
A mix of sun and cloud. 10 to 20 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C. Freezing level valley bottom.
Saturday
A mix of sun and cloud. 10 to 15 km/h north ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C. Freezing level valley bottom.
Sunday
Cloudy with sunny periods. 10 to 15 km/h north ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C. Freezing level valley bottom. Alpine above freezing layer.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
