We are in a low probability high consequence situation. The natural cycle has subsided yet any slope that did not run should be treated with utmost caution. Now is not to time to venture into big terrain. Sun can increase the danger quickly.
Weather Forecast
Thursday will be -3 to -6, light to moderate SW winds, clouds with some sun, and flurries. Friday will be much the same except for maybe more sun than cloud in the afternoon and -6 to -12 temperatures. Expect afternoon warming if sun comes out.
Snowpack Summary
Wind slabs up to 1.5m deep found at and above treeline. Large cornices are present. The mid-pack has several crusts and persistent instabilities of facets and surface hoar. Closer to the ground is a weak base around the November rain crust and depth hoar. Time is required for the snowpack to strengthen after Saturday's storm loading.
Avalanche Summary
No patrol Wednesday. Saturday and Sunday was a widespread cycle with crowns a kilometer long and 2m deep. Some were size 3.5 and ran full path stepping to basal layers near the ground. Less activity at treeline with size 2-2.5. Monday's control produced numerous size 3 avalanches from the alpine.
Confidence
Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain
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.
Cornices
Cornice Fall is the release of an overhanging mass of snow that forms as the wind moves snow over a sharp terrain feature, such as a ridge, and deposits snow on the downwind (leeward) side. Cornices range in size from small wind drifts of soft snow to large overhangs of hard snow that are 30 feet (10 meters) or taller. They can break off the terrain suddenly and pull back onto the ridge top and catch people by surprise even on the flat ground above the slope. Even small cornices can have enough mass to be destructive and deadly. Cornice Fall can entrain loose surface snow or trigger slab avalanches.
Deep Persistent Slabs
Deep Persistent Slab avalanches are the release of a thick cohesive layer of hard snow (a slab), when the bond breaks between the slab and an underlying persistent weak layer deep in the snowpack. The most common persistent weak layers involved in deep, persistent slabs are depth hoar or facets surrounding a deeply buried crust. Deep Persistent Slabs are typically hard to trigger, are very destructive and dangerous due to the large mass of snow involved, and can persist for months once developed. They are often triggered from areas where the snow is shallow and weak, and are particularly difficult to forecast for and manage.