More new snow has fallen at upper elevations near the divide, expect to find some good turns in sheltered areas and wind slabs in the lee of exposed features.
Weather Forecast
A weakening front will bring unsettled air through the area on Thursday, giving scattered flurries, moderate to strong SW winds and ongoing warm temperatures (freezing level around 1750m). This is followed by a brief ridge on Friday which will bring sunny skies, light winds, and slightly cooler temps.
Snowpack Summary
Up to 25cm of recent storm snow is being redistributed by Strong SW winds, building on existing large cornices, and creating fresh wind slabs on many lee slopes. The new snow overlies a well settled mid snowpack with a series of up to 4 crusts on all but shaded alpine aspects. The bonds to these crusts warrant assessment but appear strong for now.
Avalanche Summary
No recent activity has been observed or reported. On Monday, a neighboring operation observed a large slab avalanche on a north aspect, this was triggered by cornice fall in extreme terrain.
Confidence
Freezing levels are uncertain
Problems
Wind Slabs
Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind 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.
Cornices
Cornice Fall is the release of an overhanging mass of snow that forms as the wind moves snow over a sharp terrain feature, such as a ridge, and deposits snow on the downwind (leeward) side. Cornices range in size from small wind drifts of soft snow to large overhangs of hard snow that are 30 feet (10 meters) or taller. They can break off the terrain suddenly and pull back onto the ridge top and catch people by surprise even on the flat ground above the slope. Even small cornices can have enough mass to be destructive and deadly. Cornice Fall can entrain loose surface snow or trigger slab avalanches.