Travel conditions at lower elevations are generally poor due to a very shallow snowpack. Conditions improve above 2100m where the crust is supportive to skiers. Some acceptable skiing is found at higher elevations, but it is challenging to get to and from that zone!
Very isolated wind slab formation has been found in Alpine terrain. This slab overlies the Feb 3 crust and could be more problematic on northerly aspects.
This will still be an issue in areas that escaped the heat, as there is no previous crust to hold the snowpack together.
This layer is shielded by 2 crusts, but is still triggerable from thin to thick transitions. Very much a low probability, high consequence situation.
Nothing new today.
Some moist surface snow was observed this afternoon at lower elevations. The recent storm snow is settling and now averages 5 to 15cm over the Feb 3 crust. This crust is supportive to skiers above 2100m and extends at least as high as 2500m. The bond at the storm snow - crust interface is mainly good, except on steep northerly aspects in the alpine. Very isolated wind slab development has been observed in the alpine in wind prone areas.
Thursday should bring a mix of sun and cloud with a slight chance of flurries. Snowfall accumulations will only amount to 2-3cm with light westerly winds and temperatures near -5C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
