Wintry conditions are back up high. Heavy snowfall is expected above around 1500 m, likely producing very dangerous avalanche conditions. Best to avoid avalanche terrain above the snow-rain line and limit your overhead exposure.
Confidence
Moderate - Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain
Weather Forecast
THURSDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with snowfall above 1700 m and rain below, accumulation 20 cm of snow, moderate southeast wind, treeline temperature 2 C.FRIDAY: Cloudy with snowfall above 1500 m, accumulation 20 to 30 cm, moderate to strong south wind, treeline temperature 1 C.SATURDAY: Cloudy with snowfall above 1200 m, accumulation 40 to 50 cm, strong south wind, treeline temperature -1 C.SUNDAY: Cloudy with snowfall above 1200 m, accumulation 30 to 40 cm, strong south wind, treeline temperature -1 C.
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches have been reported in the region on Wednesday. The likelihood of triggering avalanches is increased at and above the snow-rain line due to the continuous snowfall.
Snowpack Summary
Above around 1400 m, expect to find 40 to 50 cm of recent snow that overlies a melt-freeze crust or wet snow. This new snow may have been blown around with strong south wind, producing deeper deposits in lee terrain features. Below 1400 m, the snowpack is wet from rain and above-freezing temperature. Snow is disappearing rapidly at lower elevations.
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.