Last weeks storms have improved conditions but there is little snow below 1500m. Recent reports and snowpack test results indicate a great deal of variability. Look for signs of instability and check the snowpack before committing to your line.
Weather Forecast
Scattered flurries ending this morning as the front continue to move southward. A clearing trend will begin this afternoon as a ridge starts to build. Expect light NW winds and increasing sun over the weekend.
Snowpack Summary
A cohesive storm slab is most reactive where it overlies the Nov 16 sun crust down ~30cm on steep solar aspects in the alpine. The Nov 6 crust is down 80-120cm, with facets forming around the crust. Test results are sudden planar, but hard.
Avalanche Summary
Recent avalanches have been triggered by strong S winds loading lee slopes. Yesterday there were 11 size 2-2.5 slab avalanches from steep north facing terrain. On Thurs there were 2 size 1.5 skier accidental avalanches triggered on the Nov 16 crust.
Confidence
Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain
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.
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.