The recent storm brought new snow and strong winds, which will mean that storm slabs are likely to be encountered, and may be reactive to human triggering, especially in wind loaded areas.
Up to 30 cm of new snow likely sits on a weak layer of surface hoar. Storm slabs will likely be reactive, especially in wind loaded areas.
THURSDAY NIGHT - Flurries, 10-15 cm / southwest winds, 20-40 km/h / alpine low temperature near -3 / freezing level 800 m
FRIDAY - Mainly cloudy with isolated flurries / southwest winds 20-30 km/h / alpine high temperature near -4 / freezing level 800 m
SATURDAY - Cloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurries / light northwest winds / alpine high temperature near -7
SUNDAY - A mix of sun and cloud / light northwest winds / alpine high temperature near -8
There were no avalanche reports from Thursday, but observations are still very limited in this region. With over 20 cm of new snow and strong winds, it is likely that there were natural avalanches throughout the day. These new storm slabs may continue to be reactive on Friday, especially in wind loaded areas.
20-30 cm of new snow likely sits on a weak layer of surface hoar. Recent strong winds have likely formed storm slabs that may be reactive to human triggers. The middle of the snowpack contains a mix of hard crusts and facet/crust layers. Snowpack depths remain very shallow throughout the region with about 75-100 cm at upper treeline elevations. Below treeline terrain is below the threshold for avalanches.
