Uncertainty remains with buried weak layers. Avoid high-consequence avalanche terrain and use caution traveling in wind-loaded, shallow, rocky start zones.
At higher elevations (2000 m and above), where the recent precipitation fell as snow, strong southwest winds have formed windslabs on lee slopes and terrain features.
Triggering persistent slab avalanches remains possible due to several weak layers in the top metre of the snowpack. Facet layers are the primary concern in alpine terrain, while preserved surface hoar layers are the concern in treeline terrain.
In the north of the region, the lower snowpack remains weak and heavily faceted. Large triggers such as cornice failure or smaller avalanches stepping down to this layer are possible.
An avalanche cycle likely occurred Wednesday, with rain, snow, and high winds. Both loose wet and wind slab releases have been reported in neighboring regions. While it is suspected some of the avalanche activity may have stepped down to deeper weak layers.
At higher elevations, above roughly 2000 m, new snow has been redistributed by strong southwest winds. At lower elevations expect to find a widespread rain crust on the surface or moist, saturated snow at low elevations that are still experiencing above-freezing temperatures.
Several persistent weak layers may be found in the top meter of the snowpack. Most prominently, a layer of surface hoar buried in early January is now 20-50 cm deep and is reactive to skier traffic. A weak layer of facets and/or surface hoar buried in late December is now down 70-110 cm.
In the north of the region, the lower-depth snowpack remains weak and heavily faceted.
Thursday night
Cloudy with isolated flurries and trace accumulation. Treeline temperatures -5 to -10 C. Moderate to strong west alpine winds. Freezing levels 1000 m.
Friday
Mostly sunny, with no precipitation. Treeline temperatures -5 to -10 C. Light to moderate north alpine winds. Freezing levels 700 m.
Saturday
Sunny, with no precipitation. Treeline temperatures -10 to -20 C. Light to moderate east alpine winds.
Sunday
Sunny, with no precipitation. Treeline temperatures -10 to -15 C. Light north alpine winds.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
