Touchy and growing storm slabs will keep avalanche danger elevated this week. Riding should be great, but a conservative approach is recommended. Stick to simple terrain.
Confidence
Moderate - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain
Weather Forecast
Tuesday: Periods of snow 5-15 cm. The freezing level is near 1200-1400 m and winds are moderate to strong from the SW. Wednesday: 10 cm of snow should accumulate before tapering off late in the day. The freezing level is near 1200-1400 m and ridge winds ease from moderate W-NW to light. Thursday: Periods of snow. The freezing level remains near 1400 m and wind increase to moderate from the SW.
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches were observed on Sunday, but visibility was obscured in most places. It's likely that the region saw similar activity to neighbouring regions. Fresh storm slabs are probably touchy, particularly in wind-loaded and unsupported terrain. The storm slab problem will increase with continued snowfall and wind throughout the week.
Snowpack Summary
25-40 cm of new storm snow sits on a crust on solar aspects and lower elevation terrain, and surface hoar on shady and sheltered slopes. A couple sun crusts might exist in the top 50 cm on southerly aspects. New wind slabs will continue to develop with forecast snowfall and moderate southwest winds in the alpine. The surface hoar and/or crust layer which was buried February 10 is now down 70-100cm but triggering this layer has become unlikely. Large cornices have recently been a concern but should also gain strength will colder temperatures.
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.