A weak storm will pass by Thursday night into Friday, with variable snowfall amounts forecasted across the region. Apply additional caution if you find substantial snow accumulation and slab properties.
Confidence
Moderate - Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain
Weather Forecast
THURSDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with light snowfall, accumulation 5 to 15 cm, freezing level 1300 m.FRIDAY: Cloudy with light snowfall, accumulation 5 cm, moderate southwest winds, alpine temperature -6 C, freezing level 1300 m.SATURDAY: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 20 to 30 cm, moderate to strong southwest winds, alpine temperature -4 C, freezing level 1300 m.SUNDAY: A mix of sun and clouds, light west winds, alpine temperature -7 C, freezing level 1000 m.
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches were observed on Thursday. Expect avalanche activity to increase over the weekend as new snow accumulates and forms storm and wind slabs.
Snowpack Summary
New snow will fall onto a sun crust on south aspects, a temperature crust below 1700 m on all aspects, and feathery surface hoar in sheltered and shaded areas at all elevation bands. The new snow may not bond well to these surfaces.Below this, the snowpack is generally well-settled.
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.