The intensity of incoming weather is uncertain. If significant precipitation arrives on Wednesday, danger ratings may be higher than posted.
Confidence
Moderate - Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Thursday
Weather Forecast
Wednesday: 3-5cm of new snow / Moderate westerly winds / Alpine temperature of about -10Thursday: 10-15cm of new snow / Light southerly winds / Alpine temperature of about -8Friday: 5-8cm of new snow / Light southerly winds / Alpine temperature of about -7
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches have been reported. Looking forward, snow and wind forecast for the next few days will likely promote a new round of storm slab activity.
Snowpack Summary
A light dusting of snow covers a medley of surfaces which include stubborn wind slabs and wind-scoured exposed crust in the alpine, and soft unconsolidated snow in sheltered areas at treeline and below. Up to 40cm below the surface you'll likely find a widespread melt-freeze crust that was buried on December 15th. Recent snowpack tests have ranged from no results, to moderate to hard resistant results on this layer.Beneath the December 15th layer lies at least 10 cm of sugary facets and the late November crust, which is now buried 70-100 cm with a thin layer of facets above. Beneath this crust the lower snowpack is well settled.
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.