While winds stay elevated, wind-slabs can be expected near ridge-tops and lee terrain in the alpine.
Several larger avalanches failing on the basal facet/depth hoar have been observed in the past week. This problem is more susceptible to triggering in areas with a thin snowpack (~150cm) where they are well preserved and are hard to predict.
Deep persistent slabs are best managed by:
Cornices are best managed by:
Westerly winds will stay in the moderate to strong range on Saturday. Highs of -5C at valley bottom and -12C in the alpine. 3-5cm expected Saturday and 3-5 on Sunday.
Up to 30cm over the last few days sits over top of a well settled upper and mid-pack. The lower snowpack (bottom 50cm) consists of weaker facets and depth hoar which are well preserved in areas under 150cm. These are still producing moderate shears with snowpack tests. Isolated wind slabs exist near ridge tops and lee terrain in the alpine.
No natural activity observed. The ski-hills reported small wind-slabs in the alpine and some moderate cornice development (described as fridge sized).