Natural and human triggered avalanches have declined, but wind slabs still linger above treeline. Avalanche hazard will increase with the arrival of an intense storm on Saturday.
Weather Forecast
The high pressure ridge begins to break down today. Expect cloud, sunny periods and isolated flurries. A weak temperature inversion is in place, however temperatures will remain below freezing at all elevations. Winds are light from the east with trace amounts of precipitation. A low pressures system arrives late Friday with up to 25cm of snow.
Snowpack Summary
A temperature inversion has promoted snow settlement at treeline and alpine elevations. Hard wind slabs are present in alpine areas exposed to downflow winds. A crust has developed on steep solar aspects, while surface hoar has been observed up to 20mm in sheltered areas. The Nov 21 persistent weak layer is down ~180cm.
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches were observed.
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.