All three of our forecast zones have received significant snowfall in the last 48 hours. Storm totals of 18-36 inches have been recorded above 1000 feet with higher amounts expected in the upper mountains.    Human triggered avalanches are likely up to 3 feet in depth. Conservative terrain choices will be essential for safe travel in avalanche terrain today.

New snow began with temperatures in the single digits and were deposited on a variable wind damaged crust.  On 3/18 instabilities were observed within the lower half of the storm snow at a density change with small shooting cracks, easy hand shear results and easy results on ECT‘s all pointing to sensitive storm slabs that will be reactive to human triggers on slopes steeper than 30°.   Human triggered avalanches will be likely today on slopes steeper than 30° especially where the surface has been stiffened by wind.  Convex and wind loaded terrain will be the most sensitive.

 Over three weeks of dry and windy weather previous to this storm has decreased the height of our snowpack and caused layers near the ground to facet (loose strength).  

Todays storm is adding stress to weak snow at the bottom of our snowpack.  It is currently unlikely for human triggered or natural avalanches to occur at this layer.  This is due to the strength of old wind affected snow at this interface, and an insufficient amount of new snow to tip the scales.  Depth hoar may become a concern later in the season if our area starts to receive more consistent snowfall and the very strong wind damaged at the new/old interface starts to break down and loose strength within the snowpack.  As very hard wind slabs break down within the snowpack a person or machines weight will have a more direct affect on weak layers at the bottom of the snowpack.