Forecast precipitation amounts are highly variable between weather models. Should you find more than 30 cm of accumulated snow, treat the danger as HIGH. Avoid overhead exposure, as avalanches could run far.
Confidence
Moderate - Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain
Weather Forecast
FRIDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with snowfall above 1200 m, accumulation 10 to 40 cm, moderate to strong southwest wind, treeline temperature -1 C.SATURDAY: Cloudy with snowfall above 1200 m, accumulation 10 to 40 cm, strong to extreme south wind, treeline temperature -1 C.SUNDAY: Cloudy with snowfall above 1200 m, accumulation 20 cm, moderate southwest wind, treeline temperature -1 C.MONDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, light southwest wind, treeline temperature 0 C, freezing level 1400 m.
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches have been reported in the region. The likelihood of triggering avalanches is increased at and above the snow-rain line due to the stormy weather expected this weekend.
Snowpack Summary
Anywhere from 20 to 80 cm of snow is expected to fall Friday night into Saturday. The freezing level will hover between 1100 m and 1400 m. Above the snow-rain line, snow may accumulate quickly and it will be blown around by strong to extreme south to southwest wind. Below the snow-rain line, the snowpack will remain wet and continue to melt rapidly during the storm.
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.