Lack of avalanche activity due to minimal wind effect and very cold temperatures is bringing the danger ratings down. We remain uncertain about the wind effect in the high alpine, but overall avalanche conditions have stabilized quickly since last weekend's storm.
Visual evidence of wind effect in the high alpine surface snow leads to suspicion that a windslab problem may exist in the high alpine. Watch carefully for density changes and cracking in the surface snow to evaluate this problem.
Loose dry avalanches can still be expected on steeper terrain and can gain mass quickly.
One fresh dry loose avalanche was observed from the north gully of Mt. Burgess.
Last weekend's storm has settled into 30-40 cm of soft surface snow, mostly untouched by wind except in high alpine areas. This recent snow has buried a new weak layer (dated January 30) which will be important to watch in the future. Currently, minimal slab properties overlying the Jan 30 layer keep the danger moderate to low. The mid and lower snowpack is well settled, with snowpack depths at the treeline ranging from 120cm to 180cm.
An arctic airmass continues to dominate the weather in the region, with Wednesday bringing mostly broken or clear skies, a few snowflakes, and temperatures ranging from -30 overnight to -15 during the day. Thursday through Saturday look bluebird and cold.
