Danger will rise with forecast new snow and wind. If you find places with more than 30 cm of new snow, the avalanche danger may increase to HIGH.
Confidence
Moderate - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain
Weather Forecast
MONDAY NIGHT: Heavy snowfall with accumulations of 15-20 cm, 30-50 km/h southwest wind, alpine temperatures drop to -10 C.TUESDAY: Snow continues in the morning and then eases off in the afternoon, total accumulations of 15-35 cm over the course of the storm, light northwest wind in the afternoon, alpine high temperatures near -7 C, freezing level 800 m.WEDNESDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, light southwest wind, alpine high temperatures near -7 C, freezing level 900 m.THURSDAY: Isolated flurries with localized accumulations of 5-10 cm, 30-50 km/h southwest wind, alpine high temperatures near -5 C, freezing level 1100 m.
Avalanche Summary
Several small (size 1) loose dry and wet avalanches were reported over the weekend. Looking ahead, storm slab activity is expected with the new snow.
Snowpack Summary
Forecast snowfall amounts are variable throughout the region, so expect anywhere from 15-35 cm of fresh snow on Tuesday. Strong southwest wind will likely form drifts and deeper deposits at higher elevations. Beneath the recent snow you may find hard wind-affected snow at higher elevations, soft faceted snow in shaded and sheltered areas, and crusts on steep southerly slopes. The middle and lower snowpack is well-settled.
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.