Fresh snow amounts are variable across the region, and may have formed reactive wind slabs on many aspects due to changing wind directions.
Keep in mind that even brief periods of sun could initiate avalanche activity in the new snow.
Fresh snow with moderate to strong winds may have formed reactive wind slabs in lee terrain. Wind slabs may be found on many aspects due recent variable wind direction.
Cornices are large and looming along many ridgelines, and have likely grown with the recent snow and wind.
Wednesday night - Flurries, 5-10 cm / moderate west wind / alpine low temperature near -8 / freezing level at or near valley bottom
Thursday - A mix of sun and cloud / light to moderate northwest wind / alpine high temperature near -6 / freezing level 1200 m
Friday - Flurries, 5-10 cm / strong southwest wind / alpine high temperature near -7 / freezing level 1200 m
Saturday - A mix of sun and cloud / light to moderate northwest wind / alpine high temperature near -7 / freezing level 1200 m
Reactive wind slabs may be found on a variety of aspects due to changing wind directions.
A natural avalanche cycle was observed in the region on Saturday during the last storm.
About 10 cm of new snow accumulated throughout the day on Wednesday, and another 5-10 cm is expected on Wednesday night. Moderate to strong winds from a variety of directions are likely forming wind slabs on many aspects.
The new snow sits on a crust in most areas, except on north aspects above about 1500 m where it sits on either wind slabs or soft snow.
Cornices are large and looming along ridgelines. Their release is unpredictable, requiring a large berth if you're travelling above or below them.
