Dangerous avalanche conditions exist. Avoid large slopes, overhead hazards and steep terrain.
Storm slabs sit on a weak interface and will likely be reactive with new snow, strong southerly wind and rising freezing levels.
Wet loose avalanches are likely where precipitation falls as rain.
A weak layer buried 100 to 300 cm remains a concern. Avoid shallow rocky areas where the snow transitions from thick to thin and triggering this layer is more likely.
If triggered the resulting avalanche would be very large and destructive.
Evidence of a widespread avalanche cycle from last weekend's storm is trickling in. Observations of natural slab avalanches up to (size 3.5) and wet loose from steep terrain up to (size 2.5) occurred during the storm.
Snow, rain, strong southerly wind and rising freezing levels are driving the avalanche hazard for Wednesday. Natural avalanches are expected.
15 to 30 cm of new snow and strong southerly wind is expected by Wednesday afternoon.
This brings 50 to 100 cm sitting above old hard surfaces in wind exposed areas, facets and surface hoar in sheltered terrain, and crust on low elevation solar aspects.
A couple of layers of surface hoar buried in January exist in the top meter of the snowpack at treeline and below.
Deeper in the snowpack, a weak layer of facets and a crust from early December varies in depth from 100 to 300 cm. This layer remains a concern in this region.
Tuesday Night
New snow 10 cm. 40 to 55 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 900 m.
Wednesday
Snow 15 to 20 cm. 20 to 50 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1300 m.
Thursday
Snow 10 to 15 cm. 45 to 75 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1000 m.
Friday
Mix of sun and cloud with a trace of new snow. 10 km south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 900 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
