Regions
Northwest Inland.
A shift in weather is approaching. Avalanche danger will increase as new snow accumulates and is redistributed by wind.
Confidence
Moderate - Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain
Weather Forecast
WEDNESDAY NIGHT - Cloudy with clear periods / west wind, 20-40 km/h / alpine low temperature -5 C / freezing level dropping to valley bottom THURSDAY - Cloudy with isolated flurries, up to 10 cm accumulation / south wind, 20 gusting to 45 km/h / alpine high temperature -1 C / freezing level 1400 m FRIDAY - Flurries, 10 cm accumulation / southeast wind, 20-35 km/h / alpine high temperature +1 C / freezing level 1700 mSATURDAY - Flurries, 5-10 cm accumulation / south wind, 30 gusting to 90 km/h / alpine high temperature +1 C / freezing level 1600 m
Avalanche Summary
There have been no recent avalanche observations in the forecast region.
Snowpack Summary
Sun exposed slopes in the alpine and all aspects at treeline and below have become moist to wet during the heat of the day. In these areas, spring conditions are in effect; the avalanche hazard will fluctuate greatly depending on the strength of the overnight freeze and how quickly the snowpack is warmed up each day. Dry snow may still be found on north-facing slopes in the alpine. At these locations, 30-50 cm of well settled snow overlies a layer of facets (sugary snow) that was buried around March 10th.
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.