Confidence
Fair - Freezing levels are uncertain on Tuesday
Weather Forecast
Flurries on Sunday evening and Monday morning should become snow by Monday evening. Gusty southerly winds are expected to become moderate southwest at ridgetops by Tuesday morning. During the day Tuesday the wind is forecast to build to strong from the southwest, freezing levels should rise to about 1000 metres and new snow should accumulate up to 20 cm. Unsettled weather bringing flurries and periods of snow are expected for Wednesday.
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches reported. Suspect due to limited visibility and travel on Saturday.
Snowpack Summary
The new storm has developed a thick blanket of dry light snow above the cold dry surface. If this new storm warms up a bit, expect a storm slab to consolidate above this cold relatively weak layer. Watch for new windslabs developing due to forecast strong southwest winds. Some surface facetting during the recent cold spell. Strong temperature gradient in the top 30 cm. Stiff windslabs have developed in the alpine and at treeline. Some areas reporting a crust that is now buried by about 50 cm of cold dry light snow. Strong well settled mid-pack. Cornice structures are weak and have been growing fast, and falling off!
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.
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.