Conservative terrain choices are the best way to manage the current avalanche problem.
Human triggering remains likely.
Recent snow and warm temperatures have formed a cohesive slab over a widespread weak layer of surface hoar, a crust and facets buried on January 26th. If triggered, a failure on this layer could propagate wider than expected.
Human triggered avalanches continue to occur failing on the late Jan surface hoar. On Monday a field team was able to trigger several size 1 slab avalanches at and below treeline.
Regionally there have been numerous natural, skier and remotely triggered avalanches also failing on the surface hoar layer.
The recent snow has settled into a cohesive 30cm slab over the late Jan weak layer of surface hoar, facets and a crust. This layer is found on all aspects and elevations with largest surface hoar (up to 40mm) in sheltered areas below treeline. The crust is firmer on solar aspects.
The mid and lower snowpack is generally well settled and strong.
A few flurries will bring minimal new snow, a spike in freezing level (FZL) expected later this week.
Tonight: Flurries trace new snow. Alpine low -5°C. Moderate SW wind. (FZL) 1400m.
Tues: Sun & cloud. High 0°C. Moderate SW wind. FZL 1800m. Weak inversion.
Wed: Sun & cloud. Low -2°C, high 3°C. Moderate SW wind. FZL 1800m. Weak inversion.
Thurs: Sun & cloud. Low -1°C, high 3°C. Light gusting moderate SW wind. FZL 2800m.
