Weak, unconsolidated snow will sluff underfoot in steep terrain. Be cautious as these loose dry avalanches can quickly build mass.Snow in the short range forecast should bring a welcome refresh to the region.
Weather Forecast
Steady, seasonally mild temps in the -5 to -10 degree range. Generally light SW winds; gusting at ridge tops. Trace amounts of snow over night and through the day Sunday, continuing into the beginning of the week and accumulating to as much as 10 to 15cm by Tuesday.
Snowpack Summary
Multiple crusts still present, hiding below weak and faceted snow. Isolated pockets of wind slab above treeline. The midpack is generally supportive at treeline and into the alpine.
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches observed or reported
Confidence
Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Sunday
Problems
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.
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.