New snow and moderate west wind will build new wind slabs today. These new wind slabs could form on top of weak snow buried 2-3 feet deep. Look for pillows, and dune-like formations on lee aspects to identify wind slabs. If you encounter wind-loaded slopes or are uncertain about buried weak layers, choose terrain less than 30 degrees.
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3-6" of new snow is expected for the Blue Mountains today. Moderate west winds will accompany this fresh snow. This is a perfect setup to build new wind slabs. Expect wind slabs on slopes lee to the west wind or anywhere you see pillows, drifts, or cornices.
A reactive layer of Buried surface hoar was found 2-3 feet deep in the Blues on Thursday. A fresh crop of surface hoar was also observed on Thursday. Either of these layers could produce an avalanche. As these slopes get loaded with fresh snow that risk increases.
3-6" of new snow is expected for the Blue Mountains today. Moderate west winds will accompany this fresh snow. This is a perfect setup to build new wind slabs. Snow Levels are also forecasted to arrive as the day goes on, This temperature change could create an "upside down" snow surface, with higher-density snow sitting on lower-density snow. Higher-density snow on top of lower-density snow can also contribute to avalanches.
Buried surface hoar was found on Thursday in the Southern Blues. This layer was reactive in snow pit tests, that weak layer of buried surface hoar will be tested by the weight of new snow and wind loading. A fresh crop of surface hoar was also observed on Thursday. If the warmer temperatures or wind didn't destroy these feathery crystals, there could now be two layers of buried surface hoar capable of producing an avalanche.
If you get out in the Blues today, please submit an observation and/or photo, thanks!
