Keep terrain choices conservative while storm snow begins to bond. Watch for wind loaded pockets in unusual places as wind direction has varied.
Brief periods of sunshine could quickly increase avalanche hazard on south facing slopes.
Wind slabs may be found at higher elevations on all aspects from recent variable winds. Watch for wind affected snow near ridgelines and around mid slope rollovers.
Evaluate conditions as you travel, step back to simple and low angle terrain when uncertain.
With up to 60 cm of dry snow from the last 3 days, low density cold snow may see the sun for the first time on Thursday.
Watch for rapidly changing conditions, avalanche hazard will increase as surface snow becomes moist or wet. Minimize your exposure to sun affected slopes even during brief periods of strong sunshine.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT: Partly cloudy with scattered flurries bringing up to 3 cm. Moderate east/southeast winds. Freezing levels drop to 500 m overnight.
THURSDAY: A mix of sun and cloud with light easterly winds. Freezing level rises to 1000 m. Snow begins in the afternoon with 5 cm expected for most areas.
FRIDAY: A mix of sun and cloud with light easterly winds. Freezing level rises to 1000 m. Light snowfall in the afternoon bringing 5-10 cm, and another 5-10 cm possible overnight.
SATURDAY: A mix of sun and cloud with moderate easterly winds. 10-20 cm of snow expected. Freezing levels rise to 1000 m.
No avalanches have been reported over the last 3 days. This MIN describes recent dry snow as being reactive but only producing small avalanches.
Observations are limited at this time of year, so please consider posting to the Mountain Information Network.
Up to 60 cm of storm snow sits over a widespread crust. Winds have switched from southwest to northeast; wind affected snow can now be found on all aspects at treeline and above.
Several crusts exists in the upper snowpack, some widespread and some limited to solar aspects. These crusts may act as sliding surfaces for avalanches, however reports suggest that snow is bonding well to the crusts. The mid and lower snowpack is considered strong, consisting of hard snow and melt freeze crusts.
