Uncertainty remains regarding a layer of facets 40 to 60 cm deep that is producing variable moderate results with stability tests. Several avalanches have failed on this layer over the past week.
Recent strong winds from the W/SW have redistributed surface snow into lee pockets in the alpine. Use caution when transitioning into this type of terrain.
A facet or facet/crust interface 40 to 60 cm down, formed in late January, has been the failure plane for several large avalanches in the region this week. We have limited information on its spatial distribution, but this layer has been observed on all aspects and elevations.
No new avalanches reported in past 48 hours.
Scouring, wind effect and some windslabs exist in the alpine. The Jan 24 facet/crust layer is down 40-60 cm and producing variable moderate sudden planar results with stability tests. The distribution of this layer is difficult to pin down but has been observed at all elevation bands. A thin temperature crust exists on surface at lower elevations. The lower snowpack is generally strong.
Saturday: Cloudy with light flurries. Winds strong from the west. Freezing Levels near 2300m
Sunday: 10-20 cm of snow forecast by end of day Sunday. Strong winds from the West. Freezing levels near 2100m.
