Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Regions
Glacier.
Decision making is complicated right now. A tricky snowpack, unsettled weather, the potential for strong solar and a busy upcoming weekend could spell trouble.
Weather Forecast
Unsettled weather with flurries, mild temps and moderte S'ly winds is expected today, but brief periods of intense precipitation are possible. Overnight we are expected to receive 10-15cm. Sat and Sun expect a mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries, alpine temps -5 to -10, and S'ly winds. Brief, intense periods of sun may trigger avalanches.
Snowpack Summary
New, reactive soft slabs developed yesterday at treeline and above with intense snowfall and windloading. Last weeks storm snow is settling, but snowpack tests still indicate that weaknesses exist within the storm snow as well as below. Tests show the potential for step-down to lower layers if triggered. Large cornices loom in many areas.
Avalanche Summary
Yesterday a brief, intense storm triggered a natural avalanche cycle from steep avalanche paths. Numerous size 2.5 to 3 avalanches ran well onto the avalanche fans. In addition, skiers were able to ski cut numerous very soft slab size 1-1.5 avalanches. They were 10-20cm deep on N-E aspects at treeline, and ran until the slope angle decreased.
Confidence
Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain
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.
Persistent Slabs
Persistent Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) in the middle to upper snowpack, when the bond to an underlying persistent weak layer breaks. Persistent layers include: surface hoar, depth hoar, near-surface facets, or faceted snow. Persistent weak layers can continue to produce avalanches for days, weeks or even months, making them especially dangerous and tricky. As additional snow and wind events build a thicker slab on top of the persistent weak layer, this avalanche problem may develop into a Deep Persistent Slab.