New snow and strong winds are creating dangerous avalanche conditions. Danger is expected to be highest where snowfall is heaviest—assess local conditions carefully.
A crust with surface hoar or facets, buried on January 26, persists in the upper snowpack. While triggering this layer is becoming less likely, small wind slabs could step down to it, producing large avalanches.
New snow continues to accumulate atop a widespread crust. Slab avalanches will be most reactive at higher elevations in wind-affected areas.
Recent observations have been limited, especially in alpine terrain, but natural avalanche activity is suspected during periods of rapid loading, primarily driven by wind transport.
Be sure to post your observations to the MIN if you get out!
Approximately 20 to 50 cm of snow has accumulated since the weekend, accompanied by strong winds, forming cohesive slabs atop a widespread crust. This crust is generally stronger and more supportive at treeline and above, while it is weaker or absent below treeline, where moist snow persists.
A crust with surface hoar and/or faceted snow, buried on January 26, is roughly 50 to 100 cm below the surface. This layer is most likely to persist at higher elevations, while at lower elevations, it was largely rain-soaked and destroyed last week.
Otherwise, the snowpack is generally well settled and well bonded, with no other significant concerns.
Snow depths at treeline range from 150 to 300 cm.
Wednesday Night
Cloudy. 2 to 8 cm of snow. 60 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C.
Thursday
Mostly cloudy. 5 to 15 cm of snow. 60 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C.
Friday
Mix of sun and clouds. 5 to 10 cm of snow. 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.
Saturday
Mix of sun and clouds. Trace amounts of snow. 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
