A storm on Friday afternoon could bring up to 25cm of new snow by Saturday. This will come with strong southwest winds and will build on already growing windslabs. Avalanche danger will increase for the next few days depending on the storm intensity.
Weather Forecast
A significant storm is forecast to hit the area last in the afternoon on Friday. This could bring up to 25mm of precipitation. Winds are forecast to be strong from the West or SW throughout the storm. The storm should be over by midday on Saturday with skies clearing and cooler temperatures.
Snowpack Summary
Winds picked up last night and were strong SW throughout the day. Up to 10 cm of new snow at ridgetop in the last 48hrs. This is building windslab on N and E lee slopes. The storm snow from the weekend has settled and seems to be bonding well but with sun crust and old wind slabs underneath this, the bond may not be good on all aspects.
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanche activity was observed on Thursday.
Confidence
Timing of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Friday
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.