Confidence
Fair - Timing of incoming weather is uncertain on Thursday
Weather Forecast
Tuesday: Isolated flurries expected, winds moderate from the south and alpine temperatures near -11.Wednesday: Light precipitation, winds light to moderate from the south and alpine temperatures near -10.Thursday: Isolated flurries, winds light from the southwest and alpine temperatures near -10.
Avalanche Summary
Reports from yesterday afternoon indicate a size 2 skier triggered avalanche from steep northeast facing terrain in the alpine. This was triggered from a cornice on a ridge crest. Other reports indicate isolated natural avalanche activity from steep rocky terrain in the alpine to size 2.
Snowpack Summary
An average of 150 cm of storm snow fell in the last 10 days across the region. A wind event from last week formed relatively deep wind slabs in the alpine. New snow combined with wind has formed fresh windslabs on the surface. There are some reports of a suncrust down around 100 cm in steep south facing features. The mid-pack is reported to be settling well. Recent reports indicate late November surface hoar is currently inactive. The early November crust, near the base of the snowpack has also been inactive as of late. It's important to note that professionals are still cautious about these lingering persistent slab problems, but the likelihood of triggering is low. Be wary of steep complex terrain with a shallow snowpack, where triggering a persistent weakness is more likely.
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.