Give the new snow time to bond before stepping into high consequence terrain. If triggered storm slabs in motion could trigger the deeper weak layers creating large destructive avalanches.
Human triggering of persistent slab avalanches at lower elevations remains possible.
A surface hoar layer, down 60-80cm, is reactive to human triggering. A second layer of large surface hoar is buried 80-100cm deep and sits on a crust. Use caution in terrain that has not seen recent rider traffic where triggering is most likely.
25cm of new snow on Monday with strong winds formed storm slabs. Approach open slopes and lee features with caution. With 2 weak layers in the upper snow pack storm slabs in motion could step down and also trigger the persistent slab problem resulting in large destructive avalanches.
New snow and wind on Monday triggered a natural avalanche cycle up to size 3 observed in the hwy corridor and backcountry. A field team easily ski cut several storm slabs size 1-1.5. Recent human triggered wind slab and persistent slab avalanches have been reported throughout the region on the MIN.
Last week numerous size 1 to 2 persistent slabs were triggered from low angle terrain at treeline and below. These were failing on surface hoar layers which are now around 1m deep.
An intense storm arriving Wednesday night and lasting through to Friday morning is expected to bring 50-60 cm with extreme westerly winds.
Tonight Flurries, trace of new snow. Alp low -10°C. Moderate SW winds. Freezing level (FZL) 500m.
Wed Snow 13cm. High -8°C. Moderate - strong SW winds. FZL 1100m.
Thurs Snow 27cm. High -8°C. Extreme SW winds. FZL 1000m.
Fri Snow 13cm. High -6°C. Strong W winds. FZL 1200m.
