We are uncertain how the buried persistent weak layer will react to the forecasted warming.
In times of uncertainty, conservative terrain choices are our best defense.
New snow continues to build storm slabs, which are expected to remain reactive due to the underlying layer of large surface hoar and a crust. Be aware of remote triggering and wide propagation under these conditions.
On Sunday, riders triggered small slabs (size 1 to 1.5) from convex slopes at treeline and below on various aspects in the region. A few remote-triggered avalanches (size 2) were also reported from easterly treeline slopes. These avalanches released on the late January surface hoar layer/crust mentioned in the snowpack summary.
Large avalanche debris (size 2.5 to 3) from the weekend is still visible, particularly on north to east alpine and treeline slopes.
10 cm of new snow now buries old surfaces, including a sun crust on south to east aspects, wind slabs in open areas and settling storm snow on north to east aspects. Moderate to strong south and west wind have affected the snow distribution, creating deeper deposits on lee slopes.
The late January surface hoar/crust layer is 30 to 50 cm deep and has shown signs of recent reactivity in the past 4 days, especially in sheltered treeline and below treeline features.
At 1900 meters and below, the snow surface is moist due to daytime warming. The mid and lower snowpack is well settled.
Monday Night
Cloudy. 2 to 4 cm of snow at treeline. 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C. Freezing level 1400 m.
Tuesday
Mostly cloudy. 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3°C. Freezing level 2000 m.
Wednesday
A mix of sun and clouds. 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 2 °C. Freezing level 2700 m.
Thursday
Mostly sunny. 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 3 °C. Freezing level 3200 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
