Human-triggered avalanches are likely. Storm snow will take longer than usual to gain strength.
Weather Forecast
SUNDAY: A few light flurries in the morning and then clearing and cooling as Arctic air pushes into the region, moderate northeast wind, alpine high temperatures around -10 C.MONDAY: Sunny, light wind, alpine high temperatures around -10 C.TUESDAY: Mostly sunny, light wind, alpine high temperatures around -8 C.
Avalanche Summary
Storm snow was very reactive on Saturday, with numerous reports of size 1-2 slab avalanches being triggered by skiers, including remotely (from a distance). Activity occurred on all aspects at both treeline and below treeline elevations. Conditions were likely similar in alpine terrain.
Snowpack Summary
Recent snowfall has buried a hard rain crust that extends into alpine terrain. The crust is now roughly 40 cm below the surface, and reports suggest the snow will take several days to bond to the crust. The result is a very touchy storm slab above the crust. There are no significant layers of concern below the crust.
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.
Cornices
Cornice Fall is the release of an overhanging mass of snow that forms as the wind moves snow over a sharp terrain feature, such as a ridge, and deposits snow on the downwind (leeward) side. Cornices range in size from small wind drifts of soft snow to large overhangs of hard snow that are 30 feet (10 meters) or taller. They can break off the terrain suddenly and pull back onto the ridge top and catch people by surprise even on the flat ground above the slope. Even small cornices can have enough mass to be destructive and deadly. Cornice Fall can entrain loose surface snow or trigger slab avalanches.