An upslope storm will persist through the weekend. Already sensitive slopes will be reverse loading with moderate NE winds. Best to wait for storm to pass before committing to any big objectives.
Weather Forecast
Light snow is expected to continue through the weekend with moderate NE winds and cold temperatures. We could possibly get 15 cm by Monday.
Snowpack Summary
New snow on the way will be reverse loading lee slopes with moderate NE winds. Surface faceting and surface hoar will be buried creating a second weak interface in the upper snowpack. Poor bonding between these layers is expected. Below is a weak and faceted mid-pack with depth hoar to ground.
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanche observations or reports today.
Confidence
Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain on Saturday
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.
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.