Continental

Lawinenprobleme

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  Persistent Slabs

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Hochgebirge
  • Waldgrenze
  • Unterhalb der Waldgrenze

  Wahrscheinlichkeit

  Possible

  Größe

  2–3

  Multiple layers of weak snow can be found at various depths in the upper 3 feet of our snowpack. The sensitivity and likelihood for avalanche activity on these layers have been fluctuating throughout the season. On 4/9, moderate stress from new snow and solar heating led to an increase in avalanche activity, including some remote triggers.  After a brief period of adjustment, these persistent weak layers are receiving another gradual increase in stress with new snow loads. The evolution of this problem should be monitored closely as we receive additional snowfall today and into next week. Eventually, we may reach a point where activity becomes likely again. For today, avalanches 1-2+ feet deep will be possible in specific areas. Likely trigger points will include areas with a thinner snowpack and/or deep wind-drifted snow on the surface. Snow accumulation over the next 12 hours is expected to be on the light side, but if you find new snow deeper than 6 inches, expect the increasing stress to elevate this hazard. 

  There will be a lot of users on the Pass this week for Hill Climb, with people likely putting tracks in and high-marking all over. Just because a slope already has a bunch of ski tracks or high marks on it doesn’t make it safe. Use safe travel protocols that include spotting your partners, riding slopes one at a time, while avoiding grouping up at the bottom of the runout zones.

  Deep persistent slab: Buried weak snow near the ground has been unreactive for quite a while now. There is currently a low probability of triggering a layer this deep, but as we continue into our spring thaw, this layer may become stressed enough to produce some large avalanches. Keep this on your radar as conditions change toward the end of our season. 

  

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  Storm Slabs

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Hochgebirge
  • Waldgrenze
  • Unterhalb der Waldgrenze

  Wahrscheinlichkeit

  Possible

  Größe

  1–2

  Thin storm slabs will continue to develop today. Up to an additional 6 inches of snowfall is expected at mid to upper elevations. Isolated wind-drifted pockets on the leeward sides of mid and upper elevation ridges, and steep protected gullies will be the most likely spots to encounter wind-drifted snow up to a foot deep later in the day.  Human and machine-triggered avalanches will be possible in areas with over 6 inches of dense wind-drifted snow. Although this is not expected to be a widespread concern today, storm slabs that continue to build through the weekend will likely become hazardous.

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  Loose Wet

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Hochgebirge
  • Waldgrenze
  • Unterhalb der Waldgrenze

  Wahrscheinlichkeit

  Possible

  Größe

  1–2

  Cloudy, cool conditions will limit the extent of wet loose activity to lower elevations. Warm temperatures and rain have created a weak isothermal snowpack below 1500 feet that could fail to the ground. If you are travelling in an area with wet snow, pay attention to how deep you sink when you remove your skis or step off your machine. If you easily punch through wet, grainy snow, expect this hazard to be present. Hazardous areas will likely have previous activity, as shown in the attached picture from the toe of the Hoodoo. Expect this problem to stay with us for the remainder of the year, with fluctuations brought on by new snow loads and solar radiation in the future.