An avalanche cycle is happening with heavy wet storm snow overlaying a generally weak faceted snowpack. Skiers should be choosing conservative terrain. Ice-climbers should be picking routes with no over-head hazard.
Up to 35cm of heavy wet storm snow is sitting on a weak faceted snowpack and may become more reactive as it settles.
The mid and lower pack are thin and faceted in most areas. Surface avalanches could scrub down to the facets resulting in a full depth avalanches.
Numerous natural avalanches up to size 2 were reported on Tuesday running as storm slabs and deep persistent slabs at all elevations. Widespread whoomphing and cracking was reported in areas not steep enough to avalanche.
Up to 35 cm of moist storm snow overlays well developed surface hoar, faceted snow, and sun-crusts on steep south aspects. Previous strong SW winds have formed windslabs in alpine and tree-line locations. The mid and lower pack is generally weak and faceted. Snow depths range from 40-60 cm at tree-line and up to 90 cm in deeper alpine locations.
A continued SW flow will bring more snow to the forecast area on Wednesday with another 20 cm possible by the evening. Freezing levels will hover around 1300m then lower to valley bottom on Thursday. Winds should taper through the day on Wednesday and switch from SW to W.
For more information click Mountain Weather Forecast.
