So... cold.
Make sure you have the gear to stay warm if any unexpected delays occur.
Isolated pockets of windslab are faceting with the cold temperatures. Be aware that a surface wind slab could step down to the Jan 30th persistent weak layer.
20-40cms of snow overlays a buried persistent weak layer. This weak layer is consists of surface hoar, facets and/ or a suncrust. It will be most reactive where there is a settled, cohesive slab over top. This layer is still producing easy results in snowpack testing.
Natural avalanche activity has eased, however human triggering remains possible.
Neighboring operations are still reporting rider & remote triggered avalanches on the Jan 30th layer.
Cold temperatures are faceting out the isolated pockets of wind slab, decreasing the reactivity. Widespread wind effect is still prevent in exposed terrain.
A weak layer of surface hoar, facets and/or suncrust (Jan 30th drought layer) is 30-50cm down from the snow surface.
The Jan 7th layer is down 50-80cm, and is comprised of surface hoar in sheltered areas and/or a thin crust on steep S aspects.
The arctic ridge is firmly planted. Mainly sunny skies and cold temperatures are forecast into the foreseeable future.
Tonight Clear periods. Alpine low -21°C. Ridge wind NW 15km/hr.
Tues Mix of sun and cloud. Alpine high -16°C. NW wind 10-20km/h.
Wed Mix of sun and cloud. Alpine high -16°C. Wind SW 10-20km/hr.
Thurs Mix of sun and cloud. Alpine high -9°C! Wind SE 10-20km/hr.
