Expect a gradual increase in the avalanche hazard at upper elevations this week.
A combination of warm temperatures, increased winds and light precipitation has brought the wind slab problem back. Wind slab development will likely be limited to the alpine in lee areas.
Temperatures will continue to warm Tuesday, Wednesday as day time highs at valley bottom will be above 0 celsius. We can expect overcast sky's and light precipitation starting Tuesday with the bulk of accumulation Wednesday, forecasted snow amounts of up to 20cm. As this systems approaches winds at ridge crest will be strong.
Snow surface conditions range from hard slabs to re-crystalized soft snow with little wind effect. The Nov 8 crust is down 20-30cm up to 2400m which is facetting over time. The lower snowpack is a mix of weak facets & crusts. Snowpack depths at treeline vary from 60-90 cm with up to 140 cm in lee areas.
Reports of newly formed wind slabs isolated to ridge crest have been reactive to explosive control and ski cuts. All observed avalanches were no greater then size one.
