Wind is the major weather factor to keep a close eye on this weekend. Even moderate wind speeds can quickly build fresh wind slabs reactive to human triggers.
Confidence
Moderate - Wind speed and direction is uncertain
Weather Forecast
Saturday: Mostly cloudy with flurries and 3-5 cm new snow / Light southwesterly winds / High of -16 C.Sunday: Cloudy with flurries / Light to moderate southwesterly winds / High of -14 C.Monday: Mix of sun and cloud / Light northwesterly winds / High of -16 C.
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches were reported in this region on Thursday.
Snowpack Summary
The snow that fell last weekend has seen little wind effect in many areas throughout the region. If winds pick up this weekend, freshly formed wind slabs will be the primary concern. The mid pack is reported to be well settled. There is sufficient snow on the ground for avalanches at treeline and alpine elevations, and possibly in some below treeline locations. Reports suggest typical treeline snow depths are around 110-150 cm, but a report from the east side of region indicated a much lower snow depth of around 90 cm. Limited reports suggest the crust from the middle of November is down 50-80 cm and the crust from early November is down 80-110 cm.
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.