Hazard may be one step higher if the storm arrives earlier than expected.
Confidence
Moderate - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain
Weather Forecast
WEDNESDAY NIGHT: Mostly cloudy / Moderate, northwesterly winds / Low 1 C / Freezing level 1000 m.THURSDAY: Cloudy with flurries; 3-10 cm. / Moderate to strong, southwesterly winds / High 1 C / Freezing level 1300 m.THURSDAY NIGHT: Snow; 5-15 cm. / Strong, southwesterly winds / Freezing level 800 m.FRIDAY: Snow; 10-20 cm. / Moderate, southwesterly winds / High -2 C / Freezing level 900 m. SATURDAY: Mostly cloudy / Moderate, westerly winds / High -3 C / Freezing level 700 m.
Avalanche Summary
No avalanches were reported in the region on Tuesday.
Snowpack Summary
Currently, there is a smorgasbord of snow surfaces out there. Sunny skies and a temperature inversion have created crusts on all but northerly aspects. Many north facing alpine slopes are wind-pressed and sheltered north facing terrain have large surface hoar (10-20 mm) and surface facets. Both these crystal types form weak layers, but the surface hoar tends to be more reactive.There have been no recent avalanches reported on the weak layers in the upper snowpack which suggests they are bonding well to the snow above them.The remainder of the snowpack is currently well-settled and strong in most locations.
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.