Warming and stormy weather in the forecast have increased the likelihood of avalanche activity this weekend.
Up to 10 cm of new snow combined with southwesterly winds may build reactive new wind slabs at upper elevations. Watch for wind-loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and rollovers.
A persistent weak layer of surface hoar/facets or a crust is down 25 to 60 cm. This layer may become easier to trigger this weekend due to forecast warming, new snow and wind.
Thursday, three persistent slabs (size 1.5 to 2.5) were observed in the alpine in various parts of the region. One was remotely triggered by a skier and the others occurred naturally.
Thursday & Wednesday, several small (size 1 to 1.5) dry loose avalanches were reported, with natural and human triggers all across the region.
Monday, a fatal avalanche incident occurred outside the forecast region near Golden. Click here for details.
Overnight and through Saturday, up to 10 cm of new snow is expected in the western Purcells, less in the east. The storm will come with moderate to strong southwesterly winds, creating new wind slabs. This new snowfall will accumulate on top of 5 to 10 cm of existing snow covering a layer of surface hoar in sheltered areas, or a hard sun crust on sunny slopes. 20 to 40 cm below that, is a persistent weak layer of facets/surface hoar or a crust buried in late January. A weak layer of facets from early December is buried 60 to 120 cm from the surface. The base of the snowpack consists of facets or depth hoar in many areas.
Friday Night
Cloudy with 1 to 5 cm of snow. 15 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.
Saturday
Cloudy with 1 to 5 cm of snow. 30 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level rising to 2000 m.
Sunday
Cloudy with 0 to 7 cm of snow. 30 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level rising to 1900 m.
Monday
A mix of sun and cloud. 20 to 35 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level rising to 1700 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
