Hazard will increase if forecasted snowfall amounts exceed expectations. Assess your ski line carefully, previously exposed rocks and vegetation will be buried under the new snow.
Weather Forecast
The forecasted snow fall amounts in the 25 to 35 cms range is desperately needed for the good of our skier souls.
Snowpack Summary
New snow overlies existing wind slabs in the top 40cms. Strong supportive mid pack at TL and above over a very weak faceted base at ground. Below tree line the snow pack has very little support or slab development except in isolated open areas where wind slabs may exist.
Avalanche Summary
Road patrol in the northern end of the forecast area observed a sz 1.5 on a steep sw aspect below tree line.
Confidence
Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain
Problems
Deep Persistent Slabs
Deep Persistent Slab avalanches are the release of a thick cohesive layer of hard snow (a slab), when the bond breaks between the slab and an underlying persistent weak layer deep in the snowpack. The most common persistent weak layers involved in deep, persistent slabs are depth hoar or facets surrounding a deeply buried crust. Deep Persistent Slabs are typically hard to trigger, are very destructive and dangerous due to the large mass of snow involved, and can persist for months once developed. They are often triggered from areas where the snow is shallow and weak, and are particularly difficult to forecast for and manage.
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.