The sun will be out in force on Tuesday. As it rapidly warms the snowpack, there will be an increasing likelihood of avalanches.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate - Freezing levels are uncertain
Weather Forecast
TUESDAY: Sunny, moderate southwest wind, freezing level up to 2000 m after an overnight freeze.WEDNESDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, strong west wind, freezing level climbing to 2200 m with little overnight freeze.THURSDAY: Mostly cloudy with snow/rain starting later in the day, moderate southwest wind, freezing level holding at 2200 m.
Avalanche Summary
Several natural and skier triggered size 1-1.5 loose wet avalanches were reported on Monday. On Sunday, a few small storm slabs were triggered by explosive avalanche control and ski cutting and a size 2 slab was triggered by a natural cornice fall.On Tuesday, storm slabs may still be reactive at higher elevations. Warm sunny weather will also increase the possibility of loose wet avalanches and cornice falls.
Snowpack Summary
Daytime warming will create moist surfaces, especially on southerly aspects. 10-20 cm of recent dry snow can be found on northerly aspects above 1700 m. Elsewhere the surface snow is experiencing a daily melt-freeze cycle, forming thick supportive crusts overnight and moist snow during the day. The December facets and November rain crust are buried deep, and did not become reactive during the latest period of warm weather, rain, and strong solar radiation.