New snow is being redistributed by wind onto northeasterly and easterly slopes. Watch for scoured slopes on the windward side and "chalky" looking wind-deposited snow in lee areas. These wind slabs may be easily triggered by a skier or rider.
Confidence
Moderate - Due to the number of field observations
Weather Forecast
THURSDAY: Mainly cloudy. Moderate west wind. Alpine temperature -6, Freezing level 1000 m.FRIDAY: Flurries, accumulation 5-10 cm. Moderate west wind. Alpine temperature -8. Freezing level 800 m.SATURDAY: Flurries, accumulation 5cm. Moderate west wind. Alpine temperature -5. Freezing level 1000 m.
Avalanche Summary
With a return to more winter-like temperatures the snow surface has refrozen since last week's rain and no recent avalanche activity has been reported. As wind continues to redistribute the new snow however, expect to find wind slabs building in lee areas above 1600 m. In the high alpine, winds have scoured southwest facing slopes, loading northerly aspects. Watch for pillowy snow and signs of instability like hollow, drum-like sounds or shooting cracks. Many areas below treeline are below threshold depths for avalanches.
Snowpack Summary
At upper elevations about 20-40 cm of snow has fallen on the crust that formed after last week's rain and warm weather and is being redistributed by wind above 1600 m. Reports from the area indicate that the crust is supportive, up to 10 cm thick and extends to mountain top elevations on all aspects.
Problems
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.