Although the natural avalanche cycle may be over, rider-triggered avalanches remain likely, especially where a supportive crust has not yet formed on the surface.
Recent snow, rain, and winds have created widespread storm slabs. Cooling temperatures on Thursday should help these slabs gradually stabilize.
A widespread avalanche cycle took place on Tuesday and Wednesday on all aspects and elevation bands. Avalanches have ranged from size 1 to 3, with some larger ones failing up to 100 cm deep.
While natural avalanche activity is not expected on Thursday with cooling temperatures, rider-triggered avalanches may remain likely.
Recent warm, wet, and windy conditions will result in heavy, wet snow or a surface crust, depending on elevation and region, by Thursday morning. Pockets of dry, wind-affected snow may exist at higher elevations.
Up to 50 cm of recent storm snow should begin to gradually settle and bond with cooler temperatures forecast for Thursday.
The lower snowpack is generally well-bonded and made up of a significant crust and faceted snow.
Snowpack depths range from 80 to 150 cm and thin rapidly at lower elevations. In many areas, especially below treeline, slopes lack enough snow to cover ground roughness and produce avalanches.
Wednesday Night
Cloudy. 25 to 35 mm of precipitation as snow or rain at treeline. 70 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 1 °C. Freezing level 2200 m.
Thursday
Mostly cloudy. 1 to 2 cm of snow. 60 km/h west ridgetop wind and decreasing through the day. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1800 m.
Friday
Cloudy. 1 to 3 cm of snow. 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C. Freezing level 800 m.
Saturday
Mostly cloudy. 2 to 5 mm of precipitation as snow or rain at treeline. 50 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 2000 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
