The snowpack conditions in the backcountry have not changed much since the last forecast. A thick atmospheric rain crust is still dominating the top of the snowpack. The rain crust has capped the snowpack making it hard to influence any instability below it. Skiing and snowmobiling have been a challenge recently due to the slippery nature of the crust but look for that to change this week. As snow and wind move into the forecast area be aware of the wind direction and which slopes are developing new wind slabs. The rain crust is a perfect slide plane for the new snow this week.
Also, worth noting: A very weak ‘Surface Hoar’ layer from Saturday (1/23) night was buried under a couple inches of snow on Sunday night. This layer is not a problem yet, but I anticipate it will be as it gets buried deeper in the snowpack. Reports of this layer getting buried spread across both the Silver Valley and Selkirk/Cabinet zones.
Deep avalanche problems still exist, but the chances of breaking through the crust to trigger them are slim to none. The crust is breaking down at lower elevations (below tree line) which could increase the chances.
Rain crust
There is 2-4'' of light new snow on the surface right now. If that snow gets blown by the wind it could create isolated wind slabs on leeward slopes.
4'' of new snow on the surface is improving the travel conditions in the backcountry
Changes are coming this week. A slight warm up and snow is forecasted for this week. Right now, the wind is forecasted to remain calm, but keep a close eye on it. If moderate or strong winds enter the picture be aware of quickly changing avalanche conditions.
Thank you for all of the avalanche and snowpack observations submitted to the IPAC website! It really helps us see what all of you are experiencing in the backcountry! Keep it up!
