Regions
Northwest Inland.
Confidence
Fair - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather is uncertain on Tuesday
Weather Forecast
Sunday: A mix of sun and cloud. The freezing level is around 600 m during the day. Winds are moderate from the northwest. Monday: A mix of sun and cloud. The freezing level is around 600 m. Winds are light from the west. Tuesday: Light snow. The freezing level is around 500 m. Winds increase to moderate or strong from the southwest.
Avalanche Summary
Recent observations include one cornice triggered size 3 slab avalanche on a steep northeast aspect and a couple rider triggered size 1 wind slabs in exposed lee terrain.
Snowpack Summary
Widespread surface hoar growth and near surface faceting continues with clear and cool weather. Foot penetration has reduced to about 25 cm as the recent storm slab continues to settle. The west of the region is reporting a very well settled snow pack at all elevations. The East parts of the region have reported a shallow weak snowpack with areas of basal facets. Strong southwest winds have formed touchy wind slabs in exposed terrain in the lee of ridges, gully side walls, and behind terrain features. There are a variety of old interfaces now down 60 - 100cm which include facets, crusts and isolated pockets of surface hoar.
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.
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.