We have received significant snowfall, strong winds, and have a weak snowpack. This is a recipe for avalanches. It is not the time to travel in areas where avalanches can start, nor linger where they can run or stop.
Moderate to strong Southwesterly winds are expected to accompany the cold front as it passes overnight into the morning of the 12th. These will create thick, dense slabs on leeward slopes and features. Some of these slabs are sitting on old weak snow, and may surprise you by breaking well upslope. As a result, it is best to avoid steep, wind drifted terrain today.
Storm totals from the 11th and 12th are expected to be substantial. The deep new snow is not bonding well to the old snow surface, which is weak and faceted. During the day on the 11th, professional observers reported natural, and remotely triggered avalanches on the old snow layer on a variety of aspects and as low as 4700ft. You are likely to trigger an avalanche that will break on the interface of the new and old snow on all aspects. Expect shooting cracks through the snow, collapses, and avalanches that break widely over terrain features. It will be prudent to avoid avalanche terrain today.
Coming soon.
