Boletín de aludes

Snowpack conditions are generally stable right now. Small wind slabs or dry loose (sluff) could be found in isolated terrain features above 7500'. Pay attention to overhanging cornices, as they have become very large for this time of year.

The snow surfaces at upper elevations are a myriad of wind-affect, melt-freeze crust, or (if you're lucky) soft snow in areas protected from the wind and sun. While unlikely, shallow wind slabs could be found in isolated terrain features above 7500' on E/SE slopes. The snow available for transport has become limited from several days of NW winds and a few days of warm temperatures at upper elevations. Dry loose snow (or sluff) may be encountered on very steep, north-facing terrain. Both of these problems are small and relatively harmless by themselves. Remember, even small avalanches could pack a punch in consequential terrain.  As LOW avalanche danger may allow people to step out into bigger terrain, be aware of hazards such as large overhanging cornices, shallow wind slabs, or dry loose avalanches (sluff). Managing terrain effectively is the key to staying safe in the mountains right now.

Generally stable snowpack conditions can be found throughout the forecast zone. We've observed an overall, rightside up snowpack with some weak layers in the upper 1-2 feet. The rain crust (about 18" down) that was buried 01/03 is still hard but is degrading. Facets (weak snow) have formed above and below this crust. Soft snow, lacking any ability to make a slab is sitting atop this crust/facet combination. This setup has been found throughout the region up to elevations around 7500-7800'. At elevations above 7800', faceting has been less pronounced thanks to the inversions (warmer air aloft) and the lack of crust. Surface hoar and near-surface facets formed from a dry spell January 6-9th and were buried on the 10th. We have not observed intact, buried surface hoar or any instabilities with this interface. At least for now, the softer snow sitting on top is lacking strength to form a slab.

NW winds have been blowing steady for over 5 days now. We had a 2-3 day spell of warm air overrding colder air, bringing above average temperatures to upper elevations. Since January 12th, some locations have seen 6-8" of settlement. This cold, clear trend is forecasted to continue through next week. Expect surface snow to become weaker and looser through this period.