With a lull in snowfall yesterday and previous snow coming in very light, dry, and unconsolidated, hazard is currently at moderate for upper elevations and low for mid and lowers but will be increasing throughout the day as snow accumulates. With potential for significant snowfall throughout the day and gusty winds out of the South we may see some wind slab building on Northerly aspects in upper start zones. Later today watch for drifted in pockets of wind slab that could be sensitive to triggering. Dry loose activity on steeper terrain is also something to watch out for as it could easily sweep you off your feet.
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With lots of unconsolidated very light and dry snow on the ground and more on the way, dry loose activity and heavy sluffing is expected on steep terrain. Be wary of this in line selection and what the hazards are below you that sluffs could carry you into.
This storm cycle began on 2/23, with new snow accumulating on variable snow surfaces that included both wind scoured areas and wind-loaded deposits. The first pulse arrived with cold temperatures that gradually warmed, producing a slightly upside down structure. A second pulse followed with colder temperatures, and improved the structure. New snow seems to have bonded well with the old snow.
Winds during this storm have been predominantly from the ESE, generally light to moderate in speed with periods of stronger gusts, contributing to preferential deposition.
By 2/27, temperatures were the coldest since prior to the storm. Light snowfall continued through the morning and tapered off by the afternoon. Since 2/23 Douglas has received ~32cm of new snow.
A pit dug on 2/27 on Fish Creek Knob shoulder, produced few significant test results. The most notable result was CT26 Q1 88cm down, at a density change within the old snow. However, our Extended Column Tests showed no propagation, suggesting limited slab continuity at the time of testing.
A winter storm warning is in effect from 6am 2/28 into 11pm this evening with expected snowfall to be between 5-10” of new snow today and an additional 2-4” overnight.
There is some weather forecast uncertainty, and if more snow comes in, or winds pick up, things could become more consequential. With low temperatures accompanying the precipitation the new snow remains unconsolidated. Low density snow has potential to transport and create fresh wind slabs.
Be alert for heightened avalanche conditions on specific terrain features. Watch for thick, dense wind-loaded pockets that may build throughout the day. Continuously evaluate both the snowpack and terrain, and identify areas of concern before committing to steeper or more exposed slopes.
