Avoid avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from heavy snowfalls, wind, or rain.
Rain versus snow amounts remain uncertain as freezing levels fluctuate throughout the day.
Fresh and reactive storm slabs will build throughout the day where snow will accumulate. There is uncertainty in the total amount of rain versus snow as freezing levels will fluctuate rapidly.
No new avalanches were reported, but observations remain limited.
Wednesday, small wet loose avalanches and sluffing were observed on steep solar aspects.
If you are heading into the backcountry, please consider sharing your observations via the Mountain Information Network.
Up to 15 cm of new snow is expected by Saturday morning. This new snow will overlie a crust on all aspects and elevations except high north-facing terrain.
In some areas, a crust formed on Christmas Eve can be found 30 to 50 cm below the surface.
The mid-December crust is found down 1 to 2 meters. In general, the snowpack is right-side up and well settled.
Friday Night
Cloudy. 10 to 15 cm of wet snow or rain at treeline. 30 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.
Saturday
Cloudy. 30 to 50 cm of wet snow or rain at treeline. 60 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 2000 m falling to 1000 m during the day.
Sunday
Cloudy. 30 to 40 cm of snow at treeline and above. 50 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 1000 m.
Monday
Cloudy. 5 to 15 cm of snow at treeline and above. 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
