A significant storm rolled into the region Tuesday afternoon bringing strong winds and moderate to heavy snowfalls. This will lead to a spike in hazard levels on Wednesday. Conservative terrain choices are in order.
Confidence
Good - Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain
Weather Forecast
Up to 40cm additional new snow overnight with strong winds tapering to light by late this evening. A clearing trend is expected Wednesday with cooler temperatures.
Avalanche Summary
Observations were very limited due to visibility.
Snowpack Summary
The storm arrived this afternoon bringing moderate flurries and strong winds. Storm slab development is on going in the Alpine and at Treeline, adding to existing wind slabs at these elevations. Lee and cross-loaded features are places to watch for these various slabs. Loose dry avalanches are also expected in steep terrain on all aspects.
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.
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.