The next storm reaches us Tuesday night into Wednesday. Snowfall amounts will vary across the region; treat the danger as higher if you find noticeable snowfall accumulation.
Confidence
Moderate - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain
Weather Forecast
TUESDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with light snowfall, accumulation 5 cm, moderate southwest winds, freezing level below valley bottom.WEDNESDAY: Cloudy with light snowfall, accumulation 5 to 15 cm, moderate south winds, alpine temperature -4 C, freezing level below valley bottom.THURSDAY: Cloudy with light snowfall, accumulation 5 cm, light to moderate southwest winds, alpine temperature -3 C, freezing level rising to 1500 m by the end of the day.FRIDAY: Mostly cloudy, light to moderate southwest winds, alpine temperature -2 C, freezing level rising to 2000 m by the end of the day.
Avalanche Summary
A few small to large (size 1.5 to 2) slab avalanches were triggered by explosives on Monday. Otherwise, no new avalanches were observed.
Snowpack Summary
Snowfall on Wednesday may form new wind slabs in lee and cross-loaded terrain features at high elevations. This new snow will fall on widespread wind-affected snow at alpine and treeline elevations. Below this, the snowpack is generally well-settled and strong.
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.