We are not expecting the storm to be as vigorous as initially forecast, BUT backcountry travelers need to keep a close eye on localized conditions. The danger levels could easily spike to HIGH if more snow falls than we expect.
Confidence
Fair - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain
Weather Forecast
10 to 15cm of snow expected on Thursday with westerly winds near 85km/h. Friday will also see 5 to 10cm of new snow and strong winds. Temperatures should range between -6 and -10 degrees for the next two days.
Avalanche Summary
Nothing new observed.
Snowpack Summary
4cm of Hn in past 24hrs. Wind slabs are present in Alpine and Treeline areas on North, East and South East aspects. The basal weak layers from October are still the principal concern in the snowpack. Full depth avalanches are possible.
Problems
Persistent Slabs
Persistent Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) in the middle to upper snowpack, when the bond to an underlying persistent weak layer breaks. Persistent layers include: surface hoar, depth hoar, near-surface facets, or faceted snow. Persistent weak layers can continue to produce avalanches for days, weeks or even months, making them especially dangerous and tricky. As additional snow and wind events build a thicker slab on top of the persistent weak layer, this avalanche problem may develop into a Deep Persistent Slab.
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.