New snow may have a hard time bonding to existing crusts and hard surfaces. Approach avalanche terrain with caution as the storm starts on Wednesday and builds through the week.
Moderate amounts of new snow are forecast to fall with southerly winds. This could result in wind slabs that are poorly bonded to the old crusts and hard surfaces beneath. Approach any slope with more than 20cm of new snow on it with caution.
No new avalanche activity has been reported.
If you are out in the backcountry please consider filling out a Mountain Information Network report.
On the surface, a supportive melt-freeze crust exists on most aspects and elevations, on northerly, sheltered terrain the crust is reported to be breaking down. There are reports of the presence of surface hoar on top of this crust. The crust ranges from roughly 1 to 10 cm. Below the surface crust, the snowpack is moist and generally well settled and bonding, with no current layers of concern.
Tuesday night
Cloudy with clearing periods, no precipitation. Moderate northwest alpine winds. Treeline temperatures 0 to -5 C.
Wednesday
Cloudy with snow, 10 to 20 cm (highest amounts on the west of the island). Strong southwest alpine winds. Treeline temperatures around 0 C. Freezing levels 1300 m.
ThursdayCloudy with snow, 5 to 15 cm (highest amounts on the west of the island). Strong south alpine winds. Treeline temperatures around 0 C. Freezing levels 1300 m.
FridayCloudy with snow, 10 cm (highest amounts on the west of the Island). Moderate to strong south alpine winds. Treeline temperatures near 0 C. Freezing levels 1300m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
