Careful evaluation of the snowpack and new storm snow instabilities is required. Reports of skier triggered avalanches in the surrounding neighborhood is a reminder to be cautious and conservative.More snow may be coming!!
Weather Forecast
Tuesday will see 10cm of snow by the end of the day, light to moderate SW winds, and -8 degrees. The snowfall increases Wednesday to Thursday bringing maybe 60-80 cm of snow, strong winds, and warm temperatures. It may get really warm and snow allot!
Snowpack Summary
25cm of new snow with Strong Westerly winds occurred Sunday. This rests on a previous old snow surface windslab combination, the Oct 31 crust approximately 50cm down, and a spotty distributed Oct 17 crust just off the ground at lower to treeline elevations. The storm snow instability will linger for a few days and deserves your respect.
Avalanche Summary
Monday's patrol observed numerous fresh size 2's mainly at treeline but also a few noted in lower alpine locations. They ranged from 35-45 degrees, 100m wide, 20-40cm deep, running to top or mid track.
Confidence
Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain
Problems
Storm Slabs
Storm Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer (a slab) of new snow that breaks within new snow or on the old snow surface. Storm-slabs typically last between a few hours and few days (following snowfall). Storm-slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.
Loose Dry
Loose Dry avalanches are the release of dry unconsolidated snow and typically occur within layers of soft snow near the surface of the snowpack. These avalanches start at a point and entrain snow as they move downhill, forming a fan-shaped avalanche. Other names for loose-dry avalanches include point-release avalanches or sluffs.
Wind Slabs
Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.