Still winter here as more snow expected tomorrow morning. Strong winds have developed windslab conditions on lee aspects in the alpine. Monitor the incoming storm input for additional load.
Weather Forecast
A pulse of snow is expected Tuesday am but models are not agreeing to the precise amount. Could be 5-15cm depending on local influences. Winds will be light from NW. Freezing levels will be 1800m on Tuesday then a good freeze Tuesday night followed by cool temperatures on Wednesday.
Snowpack Summary
15cm to 20cm of recent storm snow has been whipped up by moderate winds into a windslab condition. This rests on a supportive temperature crust which exists up to 2500m. Weak basal facets are bridged by a strong mid-pack in most areas at treeline and above.
Avalanche Summary
Three cornice failures were noted today. One initiated a size 2 slab on Parkers ridge.
Confidence
Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Tuesday
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.