Allow recent snow time to stabilize, especially in wind-loaded terrain. A recently buried crust may prolong bonding, keeping the snowpack reactive for longer.
Strong northeast winds have redistributed recent snow, leading to widespread slab formation. In some areas, these slabs may rest on old crusts or surface hoar layers, which could make them unexpectedly reactive.
A few size 1 to 2 avalanches were reported on Monday, either in wind-loaded features or failing on recently buried crusts. In general, these avalanches were no more than 20 cm deep.
We suspect a recent widespread avalanche cycle occurred in treeline and alpine terrain, driven mostly by strong northeasterly winds on Monday night.
Be sure to post your observations to the MIN if you get out!
About 20 to 40 cm of new snow was followed by strong northeasterly winds. As a result, surface snow has likely been heavily wind-affected in most treeline and alpine terrain, and possibly in exposed areas below treeline.
There are two crust layers buried from earlier in February within the upper 100 cm of the snowpack. Surface hoar may persist on these crusts, particularly in terrain sheltered from wind and sun.
A third crust, with faceted snow, was buried at the end of January and now sits roughly 100 to 120 cm deep. This layer likely only persists in isolated, high-alpine features.
The mid and lower snowpack is generally well settled and well bonded, with no other significant concerns.
Tuesday Night
Mostly clear skies. 20 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -19 °C.
Wednesday
Sunny. 40 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -20 °C.
Thursday
Mostly sunny. 20 km/h north ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -13 °C.
Friday
Mostly cloudy. 2 to 4 cm of snow. 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
