We continue to track a weak layer in the snowpack.
Avoid thin snowpack areas where this may be easier to trigger.
A buried layer of surface hoar on a crust is particularly concerning in the north of this region.
The reactivity in this layer should decrease as the weather begins to cool.
January 20
No new avalanches reported but observations are limited. Consider posting to the MIN if you are out in the mountains!
January 19
Few small wind slabs were reported in steep north-facing alpine terrain that appeared to have been triggered by cornice fall.
January 18
Large (up to size 2.5) explosive controlled avalanches were reported on southwest aspects in the alpine and treeline, failing on buried surface hoar.
A crust exists on or near the surface in almost all terrain from the prolonged heat, rain and inversion.
The upper 80 to 150 cm of snow has been altered by previous strong southerly winds at upper elevations. The top 10 cm of the most recent crust is facetting in alpine and at treeline. Below 1000 m expect surface hoar on this crust in sheltered areas.
The mid and lower snowpack is well settled with no current layers of concern. Treeline snow depths throughout the region range from 150 cm to 250 cm.
Wednesday Night
Clear skies. 10 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.
Thursday
Sunny. 10 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.
Friday
Sunny. 20 km/h east ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.
Saturday
Sunny. 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
