We have more questions than answers right now. An uncertain snowpack coupled with questionable forecasts make it difficult to accurately predict the hazard. Err on the side of caution and continue to avoid avalanche terrain until this storm passes.
We will have new windslabs develop with the incoming snow. Expect slabs to build quickly with the warmer temperatures.
This sits upon weak faceted crystals, sun crust or a dense layer that are perfect for slab avalanches. There is potential for this layer to re-load and avalanche again if enough snow falls.
This layer has been very active lately. It may not tolerate any new loading, especially if the overlying snow retains the heat from today.
Natural activity continued today with several large avalanches heard through the could. Unsure on sizes, but expect in the sz3 3.5 range.
Moist snow 2300 on all aspects today. Little re-freeze last night allowed the warmth to sink in a little deeper and start to effect the deeper layers. Lights snow began this afternoon as the next storm arrives. There wasn't a significant amount yet, but hopefully this will stick to the existing warm snow and form a good bond. Time will tell.
The forecasted storm has had a slow start today, and will continue to lightly dust us with snow for most of tomorrow. The main pulse has been pushed back to Friday night with overall storm totals in the neighborhood of 35cm by Saturday night. Temperatures will drop overnight tonight and settle at -7 by Friday morning. Daytime high of zero degrees. Peak height wind speeds will be random out of the South, with lower elevations blowing out of the east for part of the day. Very unsettled pattern at the moment.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
