A significant refreezing crust is forming at all altitudes and getting around is difficult. The light snow precipitations received may have formed isolated reactive wind slabs in the alpine and at the treeline.
Due to poor mountain conditions, we have no observations of the alpine and tree line. However, we suspect that it may be possible to find new, isolated wind slabs. These could rest directly on a crust that would provide a good sliding surface for avalanches. Look out for signs of recent loading.
No new avalanches reported or observed.
If you go into the backcountry, thanks for sharing your observations on the Mountain Information Network (MIN).
In the few places protected from the wind, 3 to 7 cm of new snow has fallen. This snow lies on top of wet snow, which will form an increasingly firm crust under the influence of cold temperatures. The strong to extreme southwesterly and then westerly winds greatly affected the alpine and treeline areas.
The middle of the snowpack is well consolidated, resting on the combo of facetted grains and crust of December 30.
The mid-mountain snowpack has been reduced from 93 cm to 85 cm by the rain and thaw.
Synopsis: Strong westerly winds and cold temperatures persist on Friday. Warming from the weekend.
Thursday evening and night: Light snow, 1 to 3 cm. Wind 30 to 50 km/h from the northwest. Low -24.
Friday: Clearing in the afternoon. Wind west 30 to 50 km/h. Maximum -18C.
Saturday: Alternating sun and clouds. Wind southwest 20 to 40 km/h. High +1. Freezing level at 600 m.
Sunday: Cloudy. Wind southwest 20 to 40 km/h. High +1. Freezing level at 700 m.
For more details, check out the most recent alpine weather forecast.
