Snow depth is working in our favor at the moment. The fresh snow has made for some good skiing out there. Keep in mind the concerns mentioned here, and choose terrain wisely. Leave the radar on and enjoy exploring for good runs. MM
Confidence
Fair - Due to variable snowpack conditions for the entire period
Weather Forecast
Light precip arriving tonight with a rise in temperatures overnight. Winds increasing to strong at 3000m.
Avalanche Summary
Several loose dry avalanches were noted, running to mid runout in some cases. All aspects, TL and above, limited to steep terrain. Larger slabs were also noted, up to 2.5 in the ALP.
Snowpack Summary
snow depths varied from 110cm to as little as 40 in places. November crust was still intact at all elevations (up to 2500m). On top of this, windslabs are present. Density and thickness varied greatly depending on terrain. Snow from the last storm is still available for wind transport at all elevations.
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.
Loose Dry
Loose Dry avalanches are the release of dry unconsolidated snow and typically occur within layers of soft snow near the surface of the snowpack. These avalanches start at a point and entrain snow as they move downhill, forming a fan-shaped avalanche. Other names for loose-dry avalanches include point-release avalanches or sluffs.