Heightened avalanche conditions are expected during periods of heavy rain on Thursday.
Some parts of the island could receive up to 30 cm of heavy snow at upper elevations on Thursday. This could form reactive wind slabs on north and west facing slopes.
Rain will destabilize surface snow and could produce small wet loose avalanches in steep terrain.
No significant avalanche activity has been reported since last week. The incoming storm will likely produce small wet loose avalanches at all elevations and potentially form winds slabs at the highest elevations.
Rain will soak the snowpack at most elevations the next few days, but accumulations of wet heavy snow will be possible above 1000 m. Initial accumulations of new snow on Thursday morning could be poorly bonded to freshly buried surface hoar or the 20 to 30 cm deep crust layer. Snowpack depths at treeline are roughly 100 cm, while most below treeline terrain is below the threshold depth for avalanches, except for isolated smooth features.
Wednesday night
A low pressure system arrives around midnight bringing 5 to 10 mm of precipitation to most of the island with localized accumulations of 20 mm possible in the mid-island. Freezing level will remain around 800 m with treeline temperatures around -2 °C. 50 to 80 km/h wind from the southeast.
Thursday
Precipitation continues throughout the day with another 15 to 25 mm expected as freezing levels gradually climb to 1800 m. Treeline elevations will see snow turn to rain in the morning. 60 to 90 km/h wind from the southeast throughout the day.
FridayStormy weather continues with another 20 to 40 mm of mixed precipitation types as freezing levels hover around 1200 m. 60 to 80 km/h wind from the southeast.
SaturdayStormy weather with 15 to 30 mm of precipitation, freezing level around 1000 m, 50 to 60 km/h wind from the south.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
