Variable amounts of snow fell in the region, mostly at alpine elevations. Observe for signs of instability, such as cracking and avalanche activity. Use caution at low elevations if the snow surface is still wet.
Confidence
Moderate - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain
Weather Forecast
FRIDAY: Mostly cloudy with early-morning snowfall, accumulation 1 to 3 cm, light southwesterly winds, alpine temperature 0 C, freezing level rising to 1800 m.SATURDAY: Cloudy with light snowfall, accumulation 1 to 3 cm, light northeasterly winds, alpine temperature -1 C, freezing level 1500 m.SUNDAY: Cloudy with light snowfall, accumulation 3 to 8 cm, light northerly winds, alpine temperature -3 C, freezing level 1300 m.
Avalanche Summary
There were very few avalanche observations in the region on Wednesday. A small natural cornice fall was observed in the region on Wednesday, which did not trigger any slabs below.
Snowpack Summary
Variable but overall small amounts of new snow fell at high elevations and rain fell at low elevations. This landed on a melt-freeze crust produced with the recent warm air temperatures, sun, and rain. The crust exists everywhere except for possibly on shady aspects at high elevations. Expect to find wet snow at low elevations.Deeper in the snowpack, the mid-December and late-November weak layers are composed of crusts and sugary facets, which are down 200-300 cm. These layers have been dormant but may be awoken by a large trigger, such as a cornice fall.
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.