Watch for pockets of windslabs in alpine gullies or steep, unsupported ridge top features.
Weather Forecast
Series of weak frontal systems to bring small amounts of snow.
Snowpack Summary
Early season conditions exist. Not enough snow for skiing but some ice climbs are slowly forming. Be suspicious of wind-loaded pockets in gullies if going for that early season climb.
Avalanche Summary
A few pockets of windslabs releasing in steep alpine gullies have been noted. Winds will continue to develop this condition.
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.