The most snow is expected to fall in the south and far west of the region. Use added caution during periods of rapid loading, as the snow may be reactive to human traffic.
Confidence
Moderate - Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain
Weather Forecast
THURSDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with light snowfall, accumulation 1 to 3 cm, moderate south wind, alpine temperature -2 C, freezing level 1800 m.FRIDAY: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 5 to 10 cm, moderate to strong south wind, alpine temperature -4 C, freezing level 1500 m.SATURDAY: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 10 cm, moderate south wind, alpine temperature -5 C, freezing level 1400 m.SUNDAY: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 5 to 10 cm, light to moderate south wind, alpine temperature -5 C, freezing level 1400 m.
Avalanche Summary
Small storm slab avalanches were triggered by skiers on Wednesday. They were 10 to 20 cm thick, above 1700 m, and on all aspects. The likelihood of triggering avalanches will increase above the snow-rain line due to continuous snowfall this weekend.
Snowpack Summary
Above around 1800 m, 10 to 20 cm of recent snow overlies a melt-freeze crust on all aspects except for north, where the snow may overly weak faceted snow or surface hoar. The snow has been redistributed by strong southerly wind. Another 5 to 10 cm is expected to accumulate during Friday. Below 1800 m, the snowpack is wet. Snow is melting rapidly at lower elevations.
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.