Dangerous avalanche conditions will exist with the arrival of new snow, mild temperatures, and increasing wind.
Weak layers from recent dry, clear, and cold conditions persist within the upper 100 cm of snow. These layers could become more reactive with the added stress of new snow and warming temperatures.
New snow is building fresh storm slabs on the surface at all elevations. These will be particularly reactive in wind-exposed terrain.
New snow is accumulating across the region, burying various surfaces, including old wind-affected snow in exposed terrain, sun crusts on south-facing slopes, and weak surface hoar or faceted grains in sheltered areas.
Layers from dry conditions in January are found at varying depths within the upper 100 cm of snow. These include weak faceted snow, sun crusts on south-facing slopes, and surface hoar in shaded terrain.
The mid and lower snowpack is generally well-settled and strong.
Several skier-triggered and natural wind slab avalanches were reported on Thursday, up to size 2. Occurring on northwest through east aspects, in treeline or alpine terrain.
With more snow, wind, and warm temperatures in the forecast, we anticipate natural avalanche activity to increase in the coming days.
Friday Night
Cloudy with 0 to 5 cm of snow. 50 to 60 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.
Saturday
Cloudy with 5 to 10 cm of snow. 50 to 60 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 1400 m.
Sunday
Cloudy with 10 to 20 cm of snow (mostly occurring overnight Saturday to Sunday). 30 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1600 m.
Monday
Cloudy with 10 to 20 cm of snow. 30 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1600 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
