Avoid all avalanche terrain as large avalanches are expected that may run to valley bottom with the arrival of this third atmospheric river.
Heavy snowfalls precipitation followed by intense rain will create LARGE and TOUCHY storm slabs on all aspects and elevations. It is time to stay away from all avalanche terrain until the storm is over.
Another atmospheric river has begun impacting the region with heavy precipitation of snow. By midday Tuesday, freezing levels will have climbed up and intense rain will have begun. No relief until later Wednesday.
MONDAY NIGHT: Snow/rain; 10-15 cm/ Strong, southwesterly winds / Low of -8 / Freezing level around 500 m.
TUESDAY: Snow/rain; 20-30 cm / Southwesterly winds peaking at 100 km/h / High of -1 / Freezing level rising to 1500 m.
WEDNESDAY: Snow/rain; 5-10 cm / Strong, southwesterly winds / High of -6 / Freezing level around 1000 m.
THURSDAY: Cloudy with flurries 3-5 cm / Strong, southwesterly winds / High of -8 / Freezing level lowering to 300 m.
Few natural avalanches (size 2) were reported recently in the alpine. With the incoming next wet warm storm, a large avalanche cycle is expected with many avalanches potentially running full.
Recent new snow and previous wind have built wind slabs near ridgetops. These slabs will be especially deep on leeward features on north aspects. In specific alpine areas, wind slabs are sitting on a hard crust.
A crust formed in early November has been reported down 80-120 cm. There has been some evidence of large avalanches running on this crust. This will be a layer to monitor throughout the season.
Treeline snow depths are estimated to be 100-150 cm.
