There is quite a bit of loose snow out there right now, particularly to the east of the region. Winds are presently forecast to stay light. If the winds do pick up, avy danger will increase to CONSIDERABLE as fresh wind slabs build.
Confidence
Fair - Due to variable snowpack conditions
Weather Forecast
Synopsis: Relatively benign weather is anticipated through the forecast period.Tuesday: Flurries. Light northeasterly winds. Freezing level around 1000 m in the afternoon.Wednesday: Light snow Wednesday night and Thursday morning, 2-4 cm. Light winds. Freezing level around 1000 m in the afternoon.Thursday: Clearing, with sunny breaks likely. Light southwest winds. Freeezing level around 900 m.
Avalanche Summary
Small loose snow avalanches have been reported in the recent new snow.
Snowpack Summary
Eastern areas saw 20-25cm new snow in the last storm, while western areas saw just a trace. This new snow overlies old wind slabs on higher north and east facing terrain and sun crusts on solar aspects. Wind slabs are extensive in exposed areas and cornices are reported to be well developed. A surface hoar/facet/sun crust layer from mid February (12th) may be buried in the top 20 cm or so, where it hasn't been blown away by the wind and is likely making some of the wind slabs more touchy. Mid and lower snowpack layers are generally well settled and stable.
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.