Wind slabs continue to be the primary concern. Watch for signs of recent wind loading and use extra caution in wind exposed terrain.
Confidence
Moderate - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain on Monday
Weather Forecast
On Sunday, mostly cloudy conditions are expected with the potential for light flurries. Alpine winds are expected to be strong from the west to northwest and treeline temperatures are forecast to be around -15C. Light snowfall is forecast for Monday with models currently showing 5-15 cm. Alpine winds should remain strong but shift to the southwest and treeline temperatures will climb to around -10C. A break is expected Monday overnight before another pulse of light snowfall on Tuesday.
Avalanche Summary
On Friday, a few natural size 1 loose dry avalanches were observed out of steep terrain. On Thursday, a natural size 2 wind slab occurred in the Corbin area. This occurred at 2000m elevation on a northeast aspect as a result of recently strong southwest winds. Check out the MIN post for more details and a photo. Ongoing strong winds are expected to continue on Sunday. Recent winds have been from a variety of directions and wind slabs should be expected on most aspects in wind exposed terrain.
Snowpack Summary
Up to 30 cm of low density storm snow from last weekend has been redistributed into wind slabs in exposed terrain. Widespread surface faceting has been reported as well as surface hoar up to 20 mm in sheltered areas. In sheltered areas, there is also a layer of surface hoar down 20-30 cm. The mid pack is reported to be well settled. Two crusts buried in mid and early November are down 50-80 cm and 80-110 cm, respectively, and reports suggest that these crusts are currently well bonded to the surrounding snow.
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.