The mountains should be back to their wintry selves by Monday. It should be remembered, however, that the height of the snowpack was very low and that the new snow is likely to lie directly on the ground in many places. Natural obstacles (rocks, stumps) will therefore be very close to the surface.
Good quantities of snow (25 to 40 cm) are forecasted over the next few days, starting Sunday evening. The snow is likely to be light and favourable for transport by strong southeasterly winds, which will turn to the northeast from Monday noon. If the snow is blown onto slopes on which a refreezing crust is present, the wind slabs may not adhere well to the old surface.
The weather over the past two weeks has had the effect of prematurely melting the snowpack in the mountains. In many places, no snow remains.
A significant refreezing crust, capable of supporting the weight of a skier, is present on all aspects and at all altitudes. The snow expected on Sunday night will rest on this crust and may not adhere to it very well.
No new avalanches have been observed or reported over the last few days.
If you head into the backcountry, thanks for sharing your observations on the Mountain Information Network (MIN).
Synopsis: A winter storm will affect the region from Sunday evening, bringing heavy accumulations of snow until Tuesday.
Sunday evening and night: Cloudy. Snow sometimes heavy, 20 to 30 cm. Extreme south-easterly wind of 80 to 100 km/h. Low -5.
Monday: Snow. 5 cm. Strong east wind, 50 to 60 km/h. Maximum -3. Freezing level at 200 m.
Tuesday: Snow. 5 to 10 cm. Strong northeast wind, 50 to 70 km/h. Maximum -3. Freezing level at 200 m.
Wednesday: Cloudy. Wind northeast, 20 to 30 km/h. High -2. Freezing level at 500 m.
For more details, check out the most recent alpine weather forecast.
