Watch for reactive slabs in wind-loaded areas where the snow is deeper and stiffer.
Uncertainty remains regarding weak layers deep in the snowpack.
Expect to find stiffer and deeper deposits of snow in wind-loaded areas. Reactive slabs will continue to form as wind redistributes the recent snow.
A widespread crust with surface hoar and/or facets, buried in early December is buried 100 to 200 cm deep. The same layer has been responsible for several large, destructive avalanches in regions to the north.
On Thursday, there were many small and large (size 2) storm slabs and dry loose avalanches. Both rider and naturally-triggered.
Up to 30 cm of new snow has accumulated this week, with lower amounts in inland areas. Westerly wind has redistributed this new snow into deeper deposits in leeward terrain. A layer of weak surface hoar crystals may exist beneath the new snow in wind-sheltered terrain.
Deeper in the snowpack, approximately 100 to 200 cm below the surface, there is a crust with faceted crystals and/or surface hoar on top that was buried in early December.
The lower snowpack is generally well-settled and unconcerning.
Friday Night
Partly cloudy. 20 to 30 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.
Saturday
A mix of sun and cloud. 10 to 20 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C. Temperature inversion starting.
Sunday
Sunny. 20 to 40 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Temperature inversion.
Monday
A mix of sun and increasing cloud. 20 to 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
