New snow and wind is driving the danger ratings. Reactive storm slabs are the primary concern and conservative terrain selection is key.
Confidence
Moderate - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain
Weather Forecast
The weather pattern has finally shifted as a surface low moves onto the Coast bringing new snow through the weekend. Saturday: Snow amounts 8-15 cm with light- gusting strong southwest winds. Alpine temperatures near -2 and freezing levels 600 m. Sunday: Snow amounts up to 5-10 cm with strong southwest winds. Alpine temperatures -3 and freezing levels 500 m. Monday: Trace of snow with light southwest winds. Alpine temperatures near -6.
Avalanche Summary
No recent avalanche observations have been reported on Friday. Reactive storm slabs will be the primary concern and loose dry sluffing from steeper terrain features are likely.
Snowpack Summary
Up to 15 cm of new snow has buried old snow surfaces which consist of a firm crust and hard wind press. The new storm snow will likely have a poor bond tho these surfaces. The mid and lower snowpack are settled and well bonded with the average snowpack depth up to 300 cm at treeline.
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.