Forecasted moderate to strong NW winds could change things in the alpine - stay tuned, and be alert to changing conditions. Be aware of large cornices, glide cracks, and thin snow bridges on glaciers.
Weather Forecast
A NW flow over the area will be replaced with an approaching upper ridge. Moderate to strong NW winds, cool temperatures, with a mix of sun and cloud are expected today, with light snow flurries. Dryer conditions are expected for Friday.
Snowpack Summary
Light snow flurries have covered a thin layer of surface hoar, which is best developed between 1700 - 1900 meters. Isolated pockets of wind slab may also have been covered. These persist on wind exposed slopes, and lee slopes near ridge crests. The mid-pack remains strong. Sluffing of surface snow can be expected in steep terrain.
Avalanche Summary
A small avalanche cycle was noted yesterday, likely from overnight winds on Dec. 25. These slides were predominantly on steep terrain from alpine start zones. Some surface sluffing from skiers has also been observed.
Confidence
Due to the number and quality of field observations
Problems
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.
Loose Dry
Loose Dry avalanches are the release of dry unconsolidated snow and typically occur within layers of soft snow near the surface of the snowpack. These avalanches start at a point and entrain snow as they move downhill, forming a fan-shaped avalanche. Other names for loose-dry avalanches include point-release avalanches or sluffs.