Another warm storm system has added another layer of snow that is readily available for slab development. Anticipate changing conditions and be prepared for a variety of traveling conditions. Stepping down is a possibility as well.
Weather Forecast
Temps are expected to cool off in the alpine by 5 degrees but remain around 0 for TL elevations(1500m). No precip is expected and winds are still forecasted to be strong to extreme. Another round of precip is expected to arrive Sunday. How this interacts with the existing snow will remain to be seen.
Avalanche Summary
No avalanches noted today, observations very limited due to poor vis. Bombing runs in neighboring areas triggered one notable Sz3 slab (E asp, 2300m). Cornices were reportedly very large as well.
Snowpack Summary
Inversion conditions today led to moist snow starting at 2000m. Rain crust on surface below that. Limited visibility today, but storm slabs from the ongoing wind event are certain at TL & ALP elevations. These slabs will remain reactive to human triggering in steep terrain at all elevations until the temperatures cool. The warm nature of the storm will promote slab development and cornice growth.
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.
Cornices
Cornice Fall is the release of an overhanging mass of snow that forms as the wind moves snow over a sharp terrain feature, such as a ridge, and deposits snow on the downwind (leeward) side. Cornices range in size from small wind drifts of soft snow to large overhangs of hard snow that are 30 feet (10 meters) or taller. They can break off the terrain suddenly and pull back onto the ridge top and catch people by surprise even on the flat ground above the slope. Even small cornices can have enough mass to be destructive and deadly. Cornice Fall can entrain loose surface snow or trigger slab avalanches.
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.