We are reluctant to use ratings due to our limited field observations and lack of reliable snowpack information. Having said that, the current avalanche problems deserve attention and caution in certain terrain features. Choose terrain wisely.
Weather Forecast
Snow is expected to continue. Another 5-10cm is expected in the forecast region by late day Friday. Winds will be light from the N-NW. Temps will drop to -20 on friday, and rise slightly to -15 by saturday.
Avalanche Summary
Nothing noted
Snowpack Summary
Prior to this current storm, we had 10-20cm of wind blown snow that began to fill gullies and alpine bowls. This most recent snow now sits on either bare ground, or these previously wind deposited gully and bowl features. Recent winds have been mostly from the north, expect storm slabs on SE to SW aspects. Sheltered areas and confined gullies are capable of loose dry sluffs at the moment.
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.
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.