Reverse wind-loading of Alpine start-zones, coupled with the fact these fresh slabs sit upon a weak drought layer, may catch riders off-guard.
It might be time to choose more conservative objectives. Read the forecasters blog "Shifting your Mindset" for more info on navigating our current snowpack.
Windborne snow is accumulating on top of a widespread weak layer. Expect these slabs to be more reactive with increased winds and loading, especially as the slab becomes stiffer and more cohesive.
Natural avalanche activity has eased.
With fresh slabs perched atop a weak layer, human triggering is a very real possibility.
A sz 2 wind slab was triggered by a skier part way down Forever Young, resulting in injuries.
A sz 1.5 wind slab on the Ravens was observed while flying to the above accident.
Neighboring operations report that the Jan 7th/9th surface hoar is starting to become reactive as well but we have not seen activity on this layer in the park yet.
A widespread, 20-40cm thick surface slab of varying density is producing easy results in snowpack tests. It sits atop a weak layer of surface hoar and/or sun crusts (on steep solar aspects). Northerly winds are reverse-loading start zones in the Alpine.
Below this interface are firm, wind pressed surfaces in exposed areas and low density sugary snow in sheltered areas.
The Jan 7th layer is down 50-80cm, comprised of surface hoar and/or a thin crust on steep S aspects.
Continuing cold with ridge winds decreasing later in the week.
Tonight Clear periods. Alpine low -20°C. Ridge wind E-25km/h.
Wed A mix of sun & cloud. Isolated flurries (trace amounts). Alpine high -17°C. Ridge wind SW-15km/h.
Thurs A mix of sun & cloud. Alpine high -16°C. Ridge wind W-15km/h.
Fri Cloudy with sunny periods. Alpine high -15°C. Light ridge wind.
