Snow transport was more pronounced today, so watch for further slab development. Sluffing in steep terrain was also observed today, so be aware of overhead hazard, especially on ice climbs.
Weather Forecast
Sunday will be mainly cloudy with isolated flurries and only a trace of precipitation. Temperatures in the Alpine will reach a high of -6 °C with ridge top wind out of the southwest at 25-35 km/h. Freezing level will climb to 1700 metres during the day. Not much in the forecast for snow for next week.
Avalanche Summary
Numerous loose dry avalanches up to sz 1.5 running on top of the Nov 12th crust. These are occurring primarily on East aspects at Alpine elevations.
Snowpack Summary
Snow transport observed at ridge crest today. In sheltered areas15-25cm of low density snow is overlying the Nov 12th temperature crust. Isolated wind slabs are being observed in Alpine areas along ridgelines and in cross-loaded features, but these problems do not extend far downslope in most areas. The snowpack at 2200m is anywhere from 50-60cm but it RAPIDLY tapers with elevation and is still pretty shallow in the trees. The Nov Crust is something that will be with us for the whole season likely so get used to us talking about it.
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.
Loose Dry
Loose Dry avalanches are the release of dry unconsolidated snow and typically occur within layers of soft snow near the surface of the snowpack. These avalanches start at a point and entrain snow as they move downhill, forming a fan-shaped avalanche. Other names for loose-dry avalanches include point-release avalanches or sluffs.