In the midst of big storm. Critical loads have been reached.
Weather Forecast
Storm is continuing to bring up to 30cm more snow and moderate winds till at least Friday morning. Winds will switch from S to NE . A cold front will bring clear skies and cold temperatures lasting throughout the weekend.
Snowpack Summary
40 to 70cm of snow has fallen in the alpine and this will have drifted with the winds. This storm snow overlies a weak snowpack consisting of rain crusts and facets. Suspected wind affect and soft slabs at tree line and above.
Avalanche Summary
Loose avalanches to size 2 at all elevations. Soft slab avalanches suspected at and above tree line to 2.5
Confidence
Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain on Friday
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.