Natural avalanche cycle expected at treeline and above. Travel in avalanche terrain not recommended.
Confidence
Moderate - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain on Saturday
Weather Forecast
SATURDAY: 20-30 cm of new snow / Strong southwesterly ridgetop winds / Freezing level rising to around 1200m.SUNDAY: 40-60 mm of rain / Strong southwesterly ridgetop winds / Freezing level rapidly rising to around 1800m.MONDAY: 40-60 mm of rain / Strong to extreme southwesterly ridgetop winds / Freezing level around 1800m.
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches have been reported in this region on Thursday. However, a natural avalanche cycle is expected to begin Saturday with the incoming storm.
Snowpack Summary
25-35cm of new snow is being redistributed by moderate southerly ridgetop winds. The reactivity of the new storm slabs is likely to vary greatly depending on elevation/ temperature and orientation to wind. In general, I would expect the touchiest conditions to exist in exposed, higher elevation terrain.
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.
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.