The stable conditions we have been enjoying may not last. Incoming moderate to heavy precipitation over the weekend is expected to make the upper snowpack more reactive to skier triggering. Pay attention to changing conditions.
Weather Forecast
Mild alpine temperatures, with light to moderate precipitation will dominate throughout the day, accompanied by moderate to strong south winds. The moist southerly flow will continue through Friday and into the weekend.
Snowpack Summary
A dusting of 10 cm of new snow at treeline elevations overnight has blanketed a layer of facets, surface hoar and a sun crust. The mid-pack remains strong, however the Nov. 6 and Nov. 16 crusts can still be found. Isolated wind slabs persist.
Avalanche Summary
A few moist loose snow avalanches were observed on solar aspects yesterday, coinciding with the appearance of the sun.
Confidence
Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain on Friday
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.