Confidence
Fair - Timing of incoming weather is uncertain on Sunday
Weather Forecast
Sunday: Heavy snowfall / Strong southwest winds / Freezing level at 1000mMonday: A mix of sun and cloud / Light west winds / Freezing level at 900mTuesday: Light snowfall becoming heavy in the afternoon / Light south winds / Freezing level at 900m
Avalanche Summary
On Saturday, avalanche control in the region produced several slab avalanches to size 2 with some slabs reportedly reacting on the February 20th surface hoar. Further avalanche activity is anticipated with weather forecast for Sunday.
Snowpack Summary
Heavy amounts of new snow and strong winds have created deep and potentially destructive storm slabs. Underneath the new snow, you may find surface hoar that was buried on February 20th. Field reports suggest that it is reactive in the Garibladi South area. Where it exists, surface hoar will likely prolong the reactivity of the newly developed slab, so it's very possible that the new snow will take some time to stabilize. The mid and lower snowpack layers are generally strong and well settled.Total snow depths vary from around 400 cm in the south to around 180 cm in the north.
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.