Storm slabs at upper elevations may be reactive to rider triggering.
Rising freezing levels and brief periods of sun could trigger wet loose avalanches.
Storm slabs exist at upper elevations. With wind transported snow, these slabs are likely deeper and more reactive to human triggering on north through east aspects.
Rising freezing levels could initiate natural wet loose avalanches, especially in areas that received storm snow totals over 25 cm.
On Tuesday, a large natural glide slab release (size 2.5) from a south aspect at 2100 m. Numerous human triggered wind slabs, storm slabs and wet loose avalanches were seen (up to size 1.5) on all aspects above 2000 m.
Wind slabs and storm slabs may continue to be reactive to human triggering on Thursday, especially in the alpine on north through east slopes. Wet loose avalanches may be seen with rising freezing levels.
15 to 35 cm of new snow exists at treeline and above. High north-facing slopes will see deeper accumulations due to wind transport. A surface crust has formed at treeline but will likely soften with rising freezing levels.
Below this, a 5 to 25 cm crust from the late March rain event is present. The new snow may have a poor bond to the underlying crust. This buried crust is capping a moist upper snowpack.
The primary weak layer of concern was buried in early March, consisting of surface hoar, facets, and a crust is now 80 to 150 cm deep.
Deeper weak layers from February and January are buried 150 to 200 cm deep.
Wednesday Night
Mostly clear with some cloud. 20 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C. Freezing level falling to 1300 m.
Thursday
Cloudy with snow starting in the afternoon up to 10 cm. 50 to 70 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 2500 m. Freezing level dropping to 1200 m overnight.
Friday
Cloudy with flurries 5 to 15 cm. 25 to 45 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 1800 m.
Saturday
Mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries up to 10 cm. 15 gusting to 45 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
