Wind slab reactivity is expected to persist due to a buried crust beneath the most recent storm snow.
A buried crust, with facets and/or surface hoar, is likely maintaining wind slab reactivity, despite much recent wind slab formation.
Reports of avalanche activity have significantly decreased since last week's storm cycle. However, on Sunday, a natural cornice drop triggered a large wind slab on a south-facing alpine slope. The slab failed on a buried crust, highlighting that while avalanches may be becoming less likely to trigger, the potential for large avalanches still exists.
Surface hoar growth continues. Anticipate a thin surface crust on all south-facing or sun-exposed slopes. Elsewhere expect variable wind-affected surfaces.
In the upper snowpack, a crust with facets and/or surface hoar, buried in mid-January, can be found roughly 20 to 50 cm down from the surface.
The mid and lower snowpack contains several layers that we continue to monitor but do not currently pose a significant concern.
Monday Night
Partly cloudy. 40 to 60 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C.
Tuesday
Cloud building with 0 to 2 cm of snow. 30 to 50 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.
Wednesday
Mostly cloudy with up to 5 cm of snow. 40 to 60 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.
Thursday
Cloudy with up to 10 cm of snow. 40 to 60 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
