Recent snow and extreme NW winds are creating storm slabs that are sensitive to human triggering. This new snow has buried a wide variety of layers that will give inconsistent shear results. Evaluate the snowpack carefully.
Confidence
Fair - Due to limited field observations
Weather Forecast
NW winds will continue on Thursday, and will increase in speed through the day. No precipitation is expected and alpine temperatures will range from -18 to -6 degrees.
Avalanche Summary
Nothing new, but observations were limited.
Snowpack Summary
Up to 12cm of new snow at treeline in the past 24hrs. Storm slab development in alpine and treeline areas with slabs between 20 and 30cm deep. Previously formed hard slabs that are widespread on NW through S aspects are now well hidden under the new snow. Weak and facetted snowpack remains at lower altitudes.
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.