Ice climbers beware of gullies and the likelihood of there being loose dry avalanches. Upcoming winds will redistribute the snow, the snowpack may change quickly as a result.
Confidence
Fair - Due to variable weather conditions
Weather Forecast
Flurries overnight with increasing winds (strong range) out of the West. Temps still predicted to fall.
Avalanche Summary
Loose dry avalanches out of very steep, rocky terrain were observed today.
Snowpack Summary
Up to 10cm's of low density snow has fallen. Moderate winds have left most of this new snow available for transport. Storm slabs probably exist near ridgeline in the ALP. These will be sitting on the hard slabs created during the last wind event. The difference in slab density may make for touchy conditions in specific areas.
Problems
Storm Slabs
Storm Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer (a slab) of new snow that breaks within new snow or on the old snow surface. Storm-slabs typically last between a few hours and few days (following snowfall). Storm-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.
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.