Strong winds will probably make the alpine an unpleasant place to be on Thursday. Watch out for overhead exposure if you end up hiding out at treeline. Natural avalanches will become increasingly likely through the day.
Confidence
Moderate - Timing of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Friday
Weather Forecast
THURSDAY: 10-20cm of new snow overnight with another 5-15cm through the day, moderate to strong southwest winds, 1500m freezing level. FRIDAY: heavy snow with accumulations of up to 25cm, strong southerly winds, 1800m freezing level. SATURDAY: Heavy snow continues, strong south winds, 1700m freezing level
Avalanche Summary
Natural and artificially triggered avalanche activity was reported from across the region on Wednesday. Cornices remain large and fragile and would likely collapse under the weight of a person.
Snowpack Summary
Between 40 and 80cm of new snow and strong winds have formed reactive soft slabs in steep, open, and unsupported alpine and treeline features. The upper snowpack sits on a widespread crust on all but high elevation north facing slopes. Cornices are large and weak. The mid-pack is generally well settled.
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.