Choose low consequence terrain.
The combination of 40 cm of storm snow, strong wind, and a persistent weak layer means rider triggered avalanches are likely.
Expect to find new, reactive slabs on north and east facing slopes. Wind slabs will be largest and most reactive around White Pass.
A widespread layer of facets sits 70-100 cm deep, formed during prolonged cold. It is most likely to be triggered where the snowpack thins rapidly.
A natural avalanche cycle occurred Tuesday night. Early reports are of natural avalanches up to size 2.
Up to 40 cm of recent storm snow overlies a variety of surfaces including facets, surface hoar, and wind pressed snow. Deeper deposits will be found on north facing slopes due to strong southerly wind.
The lower snowpack is made up of 60 to 100 cm of weak facets
Snowpack depths vary widely due to wind, but average around 160 to 220 cm in the alpine across the region.
Wednesday Night
Partly cloudy. 1 cm of snow. 15 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -16 °C.
Thursday
Mix of sun and clouds. 2 to 5 cm of snow. 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind in the morning , increasing to 40 km/h in the late afternoon. Treeline temperature -18 °C.
Friday
Mostly cloudy. 2 to 5 cm of snow. 25 to 40 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -16 °C.
Saturday
Mostly cloudy. 5 to 10 cm of snow. 30 to 50 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
