On Thursday there will be a lull between frontal systems impacting the South Coast region. More precipitation fell than was forecast on Wednesday. Expect to see widespread storm slab development above 1400m.
Confidence
Moderate - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain on Friday
Weather Forecast
WEDNESDAY Night: Mainly cloudy with isolated showers or snow flurries / moderate southwest wind / alpine temperature 1 C / freezing level 1500 mTHURSDAY: Mainly cloudy with sunny breaks / light to moderate southeast wind / alpine temperature 5 C / freezing level 1800 mFRIDAY: Rain or wet snow, accumulation 20-30 cm at upper elevations / moderate to strong south wind / alpine temperature 1 C / freezing level 1600 mSATURDAY: Rain or wet snow, accumulation 20-30 cm at upper elevations / moderate to strong south wind / alpine temperature -1 C / freezing level 1300 m
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches have been reported recently. Expect to see an increase of storm snow activity with 20-40 cm of new snow at uppermost elevations within the region.
Snowpack Summary
At uppermost elevations, 20-40 cm of new snow is likely sitting on a crust or wet snow. Below that, the upper snowpack is mostly moist or wet. At lower elevations precipitation is falling as rain onto an already moist or wet snowpack.
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.