Reverse wind-loading of Alpine start-zones, coupled with the fact these fresh slabs sit upon a weak drought layer, may catch riders off-guard.
It might be time to choose more conservative objectives. Read the forecasters blog "Shifting your Mindset" for more info on navigating our current snowpack.
Variable winds have transported recent snow, creating fresh wind slabs on all aspects. Use caution in wind affected terrain and be aware that any wind slab avalanches could step down to our persistent weak layer
20-40cms of recent snow is settling over a buried weak layer. This weak layer is consists of surface hoar, facets and suncrust (on south and west facing slopes).
Natural avalanche activity has eased.
With fresh slabs perched atop a weak layer, human triggering is a very real possibility. Neighboring operations are reporting rider & remote triggered avalanches on the Jan 30th layer.
A sz 2 wind slab was triggered by a skier part way down Forever Young, resulting in injuries.
A sz 1.5 wind slab on the Ravens was observed while flying to the above accident.
Funky variable winds have caused widespread wind effect. This wind effect is most prominent in the alpine & treeline but does exist BTL in areas affected by localised downflow.
20-40cms of recent storm snow has buried a weak layer of surface hoar, facets and/or suncrust (Jan 30).
The midpack is either firm, wind pressed surfaces or low density sugary snow in sheltered areas.
The Jan 7th layer is down 50-80cm, comprised of surface hoar and/or a thin crust on steep S aspects.
Continuing cold with ridge winds decreasing later in the week.
Tonight Clear with cloudy periods. Alpine low -20°C. Ridge wind W-10km/h.
Thurs A mix of sun & cloud. Alpine high -16°C. Light ridge wind W-15km/h.
Fri A mix of sun & cloud. Alpine high -15°C. Ridge wind: SE 10km/hr. Freezing Level at valley bottom.
Sat Cloud & sun with isolated flurries. Alpine high -17°C. Ridge wind W-15-25km/h.
