The storm snow requires time to bond well to old snow surfaces. Be alert to signs of snowpack instability.
Weather Forecast
A mix of sun and cloud today with convective cells possibly bringing localized flurries. Ridgetop temperatures should reach -11C. Southerly winds should reach the low end of moderate today. Tonight brings another pulse of snow up to 10cm accompanied by gusty S winds. Unsettled weather for the remainder of the week.
Snowpack Summary
50cm recent storm snow continues to settle. Strong S'ly winds during the storm formed sensitive windslab on all aspects in the alpine. Weak layers within the storm snow have been failing and occasionally digging down and releasing on persistent sliding layers such as crusts and surface hoar. Steep S aspects may become reactive this afternoon.
Avalanche Summary
Six avalanches to size 2.5 were observed in the highway corridor. Our field team was able to shear off the top 30cm of storm snow off of convex unsupported features at below treeline elevation in the west end of the forecast area.
Confidence
Due to the number of field observations
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.