The weather is on a gradual improving trend, although the freezing level is forecast to rise as the skies clear.
Confidence
Low - Due to the number of field observations
Weather Forecast
TUESDAY: Flurries, accumulation 5-10cm. Moderate southwest wind. Alpine temperature -4. Freezing level 1500 m. WEDNESDAY: Mix of sun and cloud. Light to moderate south wind. Alpine temperature -2. Freezing level 1800 m. THURSDAY: Mix of sun and cloud. Moderate south wind. Alpine temperature 0. Freezing level 2000 m.
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches were reported in this region on the weekend, although this time of year there is a lack of information being submitted to us. If you have been out, please take some time to post your observations to the Mountain Information Network (MIN).
Snowpack Summary
10-15 cm of new snow and moderate winds have formed fresh storm and wind slabs which are most reactive in wind affected terrain. These storm slabs overlie numerous crusts within the top 100 cm of the snowpack. A well settled mid-pack sits above sugary facets in many parts of the region, especially thin snowpack areas.
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 Wet
Loose Wet avalanches are the release of wet unconsolidated snow or slush. These avalanches typically occur within layers of wet snow near the surface of the snowpack, but they may quickly gouge into lower snowpack layers. Like Loose Dry Avalanches, they start at a point and entrain snow as they move downhill, forming a fan-shaped avalanche. Other names for loose-wet avalanches include point-release avalanches or sluffs. Loose Wet avalanches can trigger slab avalanches that break into deeper snow layers.