Forecast light snow and wind may continue to build thin wind slabs in the alpine.
Weather Forecast
A weak low pressure system has been deflected by the ridge towards the interior ranges. Temperatures should remain cold with freezing levels at valley bottoms for the duration of the forecast. Cloudy with some flurries and light snow falls are expected on Tuesday and Wednesday, with a total snowfall for these two days around 5 cm. On Thursday there is a chance of 5-10 cm. Wind should be light from the southeast for the duration of the forecast.
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches reported.
Snowpack Summary
The last few days of clear skies, solar radiation, and warm air trapped at higher elevations has settled the recent storm snow. Southerly aspects have seen enough sun and warmth to release loose dry and moist avalanches in steep terrain. Melt-freeze crusts may be encountered on solar aspects. Wind transported snow continues to form thin slabs on variety of aspects. Surface hoar has been reported forming in sheltered locations.
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.