Warm wet weather continues. Where it rains, watch out for loose wet snow (or wet slabs in the alpine); where it snows, watch out for storm slabs.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain
Weather Forecast
Warm wet weather continues. Ridge top temperatures have been fluctuating but most precipitation has been falling as rain at all elevations. WEDNESDAY: Still more rain (30-50mm). Winds moderate gusting strong southwesterly. Alpine temperatures to +4 ; freezing level dropping slightly to 1900m. THURSDAY: A mix of snow and rain (20mm water equivalent). Winds light gusting to moderate from the southwest. Freezing level 1300m and alpine temperatures to +2 Celsius. FRIDAY: Unsettled weather with occasional rain or snow (5mm water equivalent). Winds light - moderate from the east. Freezing level 1500m and alpine high temperatures to +4 Celsius.
Avalanche Summary
No new observed.
Snowpack Summary
The rains have begun to saturate the snowpack up to alpine elevations. This includes a widespread melt-freeze crust which formed over the weekend on most aspects and elevations at treeline and below. In the same elevation band, a thick crust can be found 5-10cm below the surface, which has kept the snowpack quite stable. Higher up in the alpine, old wind slabs from last week could remain reactive on steeper unsupported terrain, especially if loaded by new snow or saturated by rain. The mid and lower snowpack are well settled and stable.
Problems
Loose Wet
If we see heavy rainfall, the snow will become loose and wet.
Use caution above cliffs where small avalanches may have severe consequences.Use extra caution on slopes if the snow is moist or wet.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Wet Slabs
Watch for rain saturating old wind slabs at the highest elevations in the alpine.
If triggered the loose wet sluffs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.Use extra caution on slopes if the snow is moist or wet.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 18th, 2017 2:00PM
