A storm is arriving over the next few days. The new snow will be falling on crust, likely forming reactive storm slabs. There is some uncertainty with snowfall amounts, higher than forecasted snowfall may increase the hazard further.
This problem may be deeper in lee features with moderate ridgetop winds over the next few days. Watch for wind loading around ridge crests.
Numerous natural wet loose avalanches were observed on Wednesday, up to size 2 on all aspects.
20 - 30 cm of new snow will fall on melt freeze crust at all aspects and elevations. The Feb 3rd crust/facet weak layer is buried 60-120 cm deep. Below this, the snowpack consists of a mixture of settled snow and crust/facet layers to ground. Snowpack depths between 80 - 250 cm.
Thurs
5 - 10 cm snow overnight with an additional 10 cm through the day. Wind 20-30 km/hr from the NE and freezing level falling to near valley bottom.
Fri
10 cm of new snow overnight and flurries through the day. Light to moderate NE winds, freezing level 1600 m.
Sat
Moderate snowfall over the day with 5 - 15 cm possible. Light N winds at ridgetop and freezing level rising to 2000 m.
For more info: Mountain Weather Forecast.
