Regions
Northwest Inland.
Confidence
Fair - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain on Monday
Weather Forecast
The ridge of high pressure and the associated cold arctic air is on its way out giving way to a milder, more zonal pattern. A series of punchy pacific systems will impact the Coast for the forecast period.Monday: Moderate snowfall / Moderate southwest winds / Freezing level at surfaceTuesday: Moderate snowfall / Strong southwest winds / Freezing level at surfaceWednesday: Light snowfall / Strong southwest winds / Freezing level at surface
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches were reported. I expect touchy storm slab activity with forecast weather.
Snowpack Summary
A highly variable snow surface includes surface facets, patchy surface hoar in sheltered areas, thin wind slabs, scoured crust, or any combination thereof. Once buried by the forecast storm snow, surface hoar or a thin layer of facets sitting on a hard surface will likely become a persistent weak layer.The mid snowpack is generally strong and well-settled. Basal facets and depth hoar are likely to exist in some areas, but triggering is only a concern in thin and variable snowpack areas with large triggers.
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.