A ton of new low-density snow has blanketed the region. Heads up for widespread and reactive storm slabs once the new snow starts to settle and consolidate into a slab. They could avalanche further than expected due to the poor bond with the underlying snow surfaces.
Up to 45 cm of low-density snow was reported from the field on Wednesday. Widespread storm slabs will likely become touchy and reactive on Thursday as the storm snow becomes affected by wind and settles into a cohesive slab.
Wednesday Night: Trace of new snow with moderate to strong northerly winds at ridgetop. Alpine temperatures near -15.
Thursday: Another 5-10 cm of snow with gusty North winds up to 60 km/hr and switching from the southwest later in the day. Alpine temperatures near -15.
Friday: Continued snow flurries possibly adding another 5 to 10 cm with strong southwest wind at ridgetop. Average alpine temperature near -10.
Saturday: Mix of sun and cloud with some isolated flurries. Ridgetop wind strong from the West. Alpine temperatures near -10.
Numerous size 1 dry loose and soft slabs ran naturally and were easily reactive to skier triggering on Wednesday.
Touchy storm slabs are likely on Thursday. They may run far and fast due to the weak bond between the underlying snow surfaces.
Up to 45 cm of low-density storm snow fell by Wednesday. The snow is showing a weak bond to old snow surfaces but has lacked slab development. Once settlement and wind affect kick in, expect the slab to change and be highly reactive. Changing winds may load atypical slopes and features. The new snow is sitting on surface hoar crystals on Northerly aspects/ sheltered terrain and on firm old snow surfaces. These will likely show a poor bond.
In shallow snowpack areas a layer of loose facets sits at the bottom of the snowpack.
