New snow and strong winds are driving the avalanche danger to CONSIDERABLE. Wind slabs will likely be touchy and easily triggered.
Forecast new snow and wind will likely build fresh wind slabs on Wednesday. They may be found on all aspects due to changing winds but especially touchy on North through Southeast aspects.
Dry-loose avalanches and sloughing may be seen from steeper terrain features.
Tuesday Night: 5-10 cm of new snow with strong southwest winds at ridgetop. Arctic air is still in place for White Pass with slightly warmer temperatures near -20.
Wednesday: Another 5-10 cm of snow with moderate to strong southwest wind at ridgetop. Alpine temperatures near -20.
Thursday/ Friday: Continued snow flurries possibly adding another 10 cm with strong southeast wind at ridgetop. Average alpine temperature near -15.
The Yukon field team spotted a recent natural cornice fall size 2.5 from steep north-facing alpine terrain.
With increased northerly winds and new snow, I suspect wind slabs will be touchy on Wednesday.
Forecast new snow and strong winds will likely build fresh wind slabs on leeward slopes and terrain features. Changing winds may load atypical slopes and features.
Previous strong southerly winds combined with snow created wind slabs on all exposed terrain on north aspects. These wind slabs are generally now well bonded to the surface below but rider triggering could still be possible in specific areas near ridge crests. South aspects are a mix of scoured and pressed surfaces.
Soft snow can still be found in sheltered features and at lower elevations.
In shallow snowpack areas a layer of loose facets sits at the bottom of the snowpack.
