Wind slabs exist in the alpine. If triggered, these may step down to the persistent weak layer.
Good quality riding can be found at higher elevations, but take your time on the descent through the trees or valley bottom exits, it is still quite rugged with a below-average snowpack.
Winds have redistributed snow in the Alpine and on lee features at treeline. Expect to find it most reactive at ridge top and in lee or cross-loaded features.
A weak layer of surface hoar down 50-100 cm in the snowpack is at the ideal depth for human triggering. Most likely areas to trigger this problem are in shallow or variable depth snowpacks in the alpine . Use caution in terrain that has not previously avalanched.
A team triggered several explosive controlled avalanches in steep north facing terrain at treeline on Wed. Avalanches were small and triggered soft wind slabs up to 40cm deep.
No new natural avalanches have been observed since Dec 23rd.
A human-triggered avalanche occurred on Video peak Saturday afternoon involving a group of 3, no injuries reported.
Recently significant human-triggered avalanches failing on the Dec 1st surface hoar layer: Balu Pk & Ursus Minor.
Expect wind slabs in the alpine and lee features at treeline from recent moderate winds. Sheltered terrain holds loose dry snow.
Below 1800m 10-15cm of snow sits on breakable crust from recent warm temps.
Below 2100 m there is a supportive rain crust down 40-60cm.
The Dec 1 surface hoar is down 60-100cm. Which continues to give 'sudden' test results, and caused some close calls for skiers last week.
In shallow areas, the base of the snowpack is faceted and unsupportive.
A ridge of high pressure continues to block any significant snowfall from reaching our region through Saturday. Freezing levels remain elevated.
Tonight: Cloudy, isolated flurries. Alp Low -5 °C. Mod South ridgetop winds.
Thurs: Flurries. High -3 °C. Freezing level (Fzl) 1600m. Moderate S wind.
Fri: Sunny periods. Low -3 °C, High 0 °C. Fzl 1800m. Light S winds.
Sat: Cloudy. High 3 °C. Fzl 1700m. Light S winds.
