Regions
South Coast Inland.
Forecast precipitation amounts are highly variable between weather models. Snow is expected above 1400 m, with associated extreme southwest wind. The snow could be touchy above the snow-rain line on Saturday.
Confidence
Moderate - Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain
Weather Forecast
FRIDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 10 to 15 cm, moderate to strong southwest wind, alpine temperature -4 C, freezing level 1900 m dropping to 1200 m.SATURDAY: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 5 cm, strong to extreme southwest wind, alpine temperature -4 C, freezing level 1400 m.SUNDAY: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 5 to 15 cm, light to moderate southwest wind, alpine temperature -4 C, freezing level 1600 m.MONDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, light southwest wind, alpine temperature -3 C, freezing level 1800 m.
Avalanche Summary
On Thursday, small loose wet avalanches were triggered naturally and by skiers within the recent storm snow. The likelihood of triggering avalanches will increase above the snow-rain line due to stormy conditions this weekend.
Snowpack Summary
Around 10 to 20 cm of snow is expected in the region Friday night into Saturday. The snow will fall with strong to extreme southwest wind. This snow will overly recent storm snow on high-elevation northerly aspects and a melt-freeze crust elsewhere. Below around 1900 m, the snow will fall onto a wet and well-settled snowpack. Snow is melting rapidly at lower elevations.
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.