Deep instabilities are present and have produced large avalanches over the past few days.
Natural avalanches may taper but human triggering is likely.
The persistent slab avalanche problem has resulted in large to very large avalanches (up to 3). Natural avalanche activity will start to taper but human triggered avalanches remain likely.
Watch for newly formed and reactive storm slabs within the new snow. Potential remains for slabs to step down to deeper persistent weak layers.
On Wednesday a widespread natural avalanche cycle continued. Large to very large avalanches were seen up to size 3.
Storm snow totals over the past few days range from 40 to 80 cm. Strong to extreme west through southwest wind has created widespread wind effect, with deeper deposits of snow on leeward slopes. Forecast-changing winds may start to load southerly aspects on Friday.
Down 70 to 120 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 150 cm deep. This layer remains reactive, producing large and dangerous avalanches.
Thursday Night
Cloudy with few flurries. 20 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C. Freezing level 700 m.
Friday
Mostly sunny. 10 to 20 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.
Saturday
A mix of sun and cloud, possible flurries up to 5 cm. 10 to 25 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.
Sunday
A mix of sun and cloud. 10 to 20 km/h north ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C. Freezing level valley bottom.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
