Recent new snow combined with wind has promoted wind slab development as well as cornice growth. As the clouds part in the coming days remember that the sun packs a punch this time of year.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate - Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain
Weather Forecast
MONDAY: Mix of sun, cloud and isolated flurries / Light to moderate west wind / Alpine temperature -9 TUESDAY: Mix of sun, cloud and isolated flurries / Light to moderate west wind / Alpine temperature -8 WEDNESDAY: Mix of sun, cloud and isolated flurries / Light southwest wind / Alpine temperature -8
Avalanche Summary
Over the past week there have been reports of both natural and skier triggered loose dry avalanches in steep terrain to size 1.5.
Snowpack Summary
10-25 cm of new snow falling Friday night, brings accumulated storm snow total to 25-40cm. This new snow covers previously wind-scoured, westerly slopes and old hard and soft wind slabs on leeward, easterly alpine and treeline slopes. Beneath these old wind slabs lies a well-settled mid-pack. The lower snowpack is generally weak with two primary concerns that are widespread:A widespread weak layer from mid-December composed of facets, crusts, and surface hoar that is 100-150 cm deep.A rain crust with sugary facets buried in late November near the bottom of the snowpack.