Dangerous avalanche conditions persist with more snow, wind, and warming temperatures expected on Friday.
Most areas will continue to experience significant storm snow accumulation, forming widespread storm slabs. Expect slabs to be the largest and most reactive at higher elevations in wind-loaded terrain.
Field observations and alpine visibility have been limited in recent days.
On Wednesday, several wind slab avalanches, up to size 1.5, were observed primarily at treeline elevations on northerly terrain.
With continued snow, wind, and warming temperatures, we anticipate both natural and rider-triggered avalanche activity to continue.
Variable amounts of snow continue to accumulate across the region. At higher elevations and exposed terrain, winds are redistributing the new snow into deeper deposits on leeward and cross-loaded slopes.
A crust formed in February exists at variable depths, generally 50 to 120 cm below the surface. In isolated, wind-sheltered areas, weak surface hoar may be present atop this crust.
The remainder of the snowpack is consolidated with no significant layers of concern.
Check out the AvCan North Rockies field team report from the Pine Pass area for more local details.
Thursday Night
Cloudy. 2 to 8 cm of snow. 50 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.
Friday
Cloudy. 10 to 20 cm of snow. 50 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 1200 m.
Saturday
Cloudy. 10 to 30 mm of precipitation as snow or rain at treeline. 70 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 1700 m.
Sunday
Mostly cloudy. 4 to 10 cm of snow. 60 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
