New snow will be falling on a crust that extends to the mountain top in many places.
Check the bond between new snow and the crust before committing yourself to avalanche terrain.
A hard crust with surface hoar or facets overtop is buried 35 to 110 cm deep. Storm slabs could step down to this layer, creating larger than expected avalanches.
30 to 60 mm of new snow or rain has fallen in the previous days. Storm slabs will be most reactive in wind-loaded areas.
Below treeline elevations have seen above-freezing temperatures for multiple days. Until below-zero temperatures return, wet loose avalanches will be possible.
Numerous wet loose avalanches to size 1.5 were reported by operators in the area over the past few days.
Observations have been limited by poor visibility and difficult weather, so be sure to post your observations to the MIN if you get out!
Strong southwesterly winds and 23 to 60 mm of precipitation are expected to accumulate by Saturday morning, with freezing levels between 1800 and 20000 m or higher. The snow surface will be wet below the snow/rain line. Snow is presumed to be isothermal below treeline.
A hard crust with surface hoar or facets that formed on January 26th is buried 35 to 70 cm deep. Storm slabs could step down to this layer, creating large avalanches.
The remaining snowpack is well settled with no current layers of concern. Treeline snow depths throughout the region range from 150 cm to 250 cm.
Friday Night
Cloudy. 4 to 5 mm of precipitation as snow or rain at treeline. 40 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 1400 m.
Saturday
Cloudy. 5 to 10 mm of precipitation as snow or rain at treeline. 30 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 1300 m.
Sunday
Mostly cloudy. 5 cm of snow. 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 900 m.
Monday
Mostly cloudy. 2 to 4 cm of snow. 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
