A natural avalanche cycle is expected with the incoming storm, avoid avalanche terrain.
Heavy snowfall overnight and through Thursday (up to 40cm) with strong to extreme SW winds will continue to build a widespread storm slab triggerable by skiers/riders. Where this overlies a layer of surface hoar at tree line it could step down to produce deeper more destructive avalanches.
Depending on where freezing levels sit through the storm much of the precipitation could fall as wet snow or rain at and below tree line creating a wet loose avalanche cycle.
No new avalanches have been observed this week. A natural avalanche cycle is expected with the incoming storm. Last weekend a skier triggered a size 2.0 avalanche at Balu Pass and went for a rocky ride.
By Thursday afternoon up to 40cm of new snow will sit over old wind slabs above 1900m and a previously buried weak layer of surface hoar in open tree line areas. This could be up to 80cm deep in lee areas after the storm.
Below tree line wet snow or rain will soak or possible melt the already thin early season snow cover.
A warm, wet weather system will bring high freezing levels, heavy snow/rain and strong winds on Thursday.
Tonight: Snow 10cm. FZL 1500m. Wind: SW Mod-strong.
Thur: Heavy Snow. 20-40cms. FZL 2300m. Winds: SW strong gusting extreme.
Fri: Flurries up to 5cms. FZL 1700m. Winds: light, gusting strong
Sat: Flurries. FZL 1800m.
