Avalanche hazard is expected to peak overnight due to strong winds that are forecast to taper off early Wednesday morning. If you wake up and the winds are still howling, the avalanche danger will be HIGH in the Alpine
Confidence
Moderate - Timing of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Wednesday
Weather Forecast
WEDNESDAY: heavy snow continues overnight with another 10-20cm expected by the end of the day, mainly light southwesterly winds, 1500m freezing level. THURSDAY: 10-15cm of new snow, moderate southwest winds, 1500m freezing level. FRIDAY: heavy snow, strong southerly winds, 2000m freezing level.
Avalanche Summary
Natural and artificially triggered avalanche activity was reported from across the region on Tuesday. Cornices remain large and fragile. They have been failing naturally and would likely collapse under the weight of a person.
Snowpack Summary
New snow and strong winds are going to build fresh soft slabs overnight on Tuesday. The upper snow pack sits on a widespread crust at treeline and below as well as up to an elevation of about 2200m on aspects that see direct sun. In isolated sheltered north aspects it may sit on pockets of surface hoar or facets. Cornices are large and weak. The midpack 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.