The recent low-density storm snow is settling out and showing increasing signs of slab properties. There is uncertainty that surrounds the persistent layers and when/if they will exhibit wide propagations. Assess the snowpack carefully before stepping out into committing terrain.
45cm of recent low density snow is available for transport by the moderate South winds. Watch for slab formation in the alpine and down into open areas at treeline.
The Nov 17 and Dec 5 surface hoar are down ~75cm and ~35cm respectively, and most prevalent around tree line. These layers of surface hoar continue to give 'sudden' results in snowpack tests, and produce dramatic whumpfs in previously untraveled open glades.
Snow flurries are forecasted for Sunday morning with a clearing trend by mid-afternoon as a high-pressure system settles into the region that will likely persist through the week.
Alpine temps of -10 to -6, light ridgetop winds, and a freezing level up to 1000m.
Sunny skies and light wind into next week.
Several slab avalanches up to size 2 on Saturday were observed along the highway corridor.
A loose dry cycle occurred on Friday from steep rocky terrain up to size 2.
Up to 45cm of new snow now buries the Dec 5 layer, which consists of surface hoar, preserved stellars, facets, and a thin sun crust on steeper solar aspects.
Wind slab is likely to be found in the alpine and in open areas at treeline.
The Nov 17th Surface Hoar is now buried 60-90cm and continues to produce sudden results in snowpack tests.
