20-30 cm of new snow with strong southwest winds will elevate the avalanche danger on Sunday.
Confidence
Moderate - Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain
Weather Forecast
SUNDAY: Snow starting mid-morning with 20-30 cm by the afternoon, strong southwest winds, freezing level dropping to 1200 m.MONDAY: Cloudy, light west winds, freezing level dropping to 800 m with alpine temperatures around -2 C.TUESDAY: Cloudy with sunny periods, light west winds, alpine temperatures around -4 C.
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches have been reported. Storm slab avalanches will become reactive throughout the day on Sunday, particularly on wind loaded slopes.
Snowpack Summary
A midday storm will deliver 20-30 cm of new snow by Sunday afternoon. Expect thicker and touchier storm slabs to develop on north and east facing wind loaded features. The new snow may bond poorly to sun crusts on steep south facing slopes. The mid and lower snowpack are well settled and stable.
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.