Wind loaded features may remain reactive in the alpine and treeline, approach lee slopes with caution.
Persistent weak layers in the upper snowpack are maintaining the possibility of human triggering, be especially cautious in less travelled areas.
Recent moderate south winds loaded lee features near ridgetop. Be careful as you transition into wind-affected terrain. Wind slabs may be most reactive in areas where they sit over a crust on slopes than receive a lot of sunshine (south and west facing).
A layer of surface hoar (up to 40mm below treeline) is buried 50-80cm deep and sits on a crust.
Use caution in terrain that has not seen recent rider traffic and areas that are more off the beaten path - this is where triggering is most likely.
On Saturday a field team observed a size 2.5 from the Frequent flyer path, which stepped down to the Jan 26th layer on the fan, as well as several size 2s from the N side of Cheops. There were also several size 2s in the steep terrain of the highway corridor.
On Friday, a team remotely triggered 2 size 1.5s between 1600-1850m, on the Jan 26th layer. This was in infrequently travelled terrain below the Avalanche Glacier.
50-60cm of snow fell this week and was redistributed by gusty winds in the alpine and treeline.
There are several crusts in the upper snowpack from the springlike temps and sunshine we've had in the past 2 weeks.
The Jan 26th layer of surface hoar, facets, and a crust, is buried down 45-80cm. The largest surface hoar is preserved in sheltered areas below treeline.
Below this the snowpack is well settled/strong.
No significant precip on the horizon, a few flurries before arctic air moves in later this week
Tonight: Clear periods. Alpine low -10°C. Light-mod SW winds. Freezing level (FZL) 500m.
Mon: Sun & cloud, isolated flurries. Low -11 °C, High -6 °C. Gusty moderate SW wind. FZL 1100m.
Tue: Cloudy. Low -12 °C, High -6 °C. Light variable wind. FZL 1100m.
Wed: Sun & cloud. Low -21 °C, High -15 °C. Light variable wind. FZL 800m.
