Watch for wind slabs in exposed areas and south-facing slopes that are being impacted by the sun.
Weather Forecast
TUESDAY NIGHT: Flurries possible. No significant accumulation expected.WEDNESDAY: Dry with periods of sun. Freezing level around 1000 m. Winds light northwesterly.THURSDAY: Light snow - 2-4 cm. Freezing level around 1000 m. Winds light southwesterly.FRIDAY: Dry with a mix of sun and cloud. Freezing level rising to around 1500 m. Winds light southwesterly.
Avalanche Summary
Several small (size 1) loose dry and wet avalanches were reported over the weekend. Natural avalanche activity may remain possible on slopes affected by the sun.
Snowpack Summary
Another 15-20 cm new snow added to previous amounts to give storm totals in the range of 30-50 cm. Towards the end of the storm, winds shifted to the north, potentially creating some unusual wind slabs on south-facing slopes. Beneath the recent snow you may find hard wind-affected snow at higher elevations, soft faceted snow in shaded and sheltered areas, and crusts on steep southerly slopes. The middle and lower snowpack is well-settled.
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.