30-40cm of low-density storm snow is making for some quality skiing and riding!
Don't let the powdery conditions obscure your avalanche awareness. The persistent slab from Nov. 17th remains a major concern in isolated areas that have not seen previous heavy traffic. If you don't know the history of a steep open slope, leave it for another time.
The Nov 17 surface hoar is down 60-90cm and most prevalent around tree line. This layer of large surface hoar continues to give 'sudden' results in snowpack tests, and produce dramatic whumfs in previously untraveled open glades.
Approximately 35cm of dry, low-density snow has fallen this week. Expect fast sluffing in steep, confined terrain, potentially digging deeper into the facets and accumulating enough mass to bury a person.
30-40cm of low-density new snow accompanied by moderate to strong SW winds built fresh storm slabs in exposed start zones at higher elevations. The storm snow overlies the Dec 5th layer, which consists of preserved stellars and surface hoar.
On Friday, a field team triggered a small storm slab on a small slope, on a SE aspect at treeline.
On Tuesday, a small natural avalanche cycle occurred in very steep, predominantly north-facing terrain in the Alpine. Cheops North 4 was directly observed (size 2, storm slab) stopping just short of the creek. Mt MacDonald had several size 1.5-2 storm slabs in the Highway Corridor, stopping at the top of the runout.
Up to 40cm of new low-density storm snow buries the Dec 5th layer consisting of surface hoar and facets. Low-density storm slabs will likely be found in steep exposed start zones in the Alpine. The Nov 17th Surface Hoar is now buried 60-90cm below the surface and may become more reactive with the additional load.
Up to 5cm of snow is forecast to fall overnight Thursday, bringing the snowfall totals to ~35cm since Monday.
Friday, we are expecting flurries, with light moderate SW winds, and alpine temperatures between -14*C and -12*C.
Into the weekend, we are expecting flurries, warming temps, and light winds.
