We have some uncertainty in the likelihood and distribution of persistent slabs. In times of uncertainty, conservative terrain choices are the best defense.
Rider triggerable wind slabs could still linger in the alpine. If triggered, wind slabs may step down to deeper layers, causing larger avalanches.
A persistent weak layer is buried 1 - 2 m. This is a low-probability, high-consequence problem. Signs of instability may not be obvious. The best defence is smaller, low-consequence terrain.
On Tuesday our field team reported a recent cornice-triggered size 3 persistent slab avalanche on a northeast aspect that ran to valley bottom.
On Monday, this MIN reported a size 2 natural wind slab but no results on ski cuts or other signs of instability.
Over the weekend a few dry loose avalanches were observed in steep terrain. A skier accidentally triggered a cornice while trying to access a ski line, this resulted in a dry loose avalanche on the slope below.
New snow dusts wind-pressed surfaces and wind slab in exposed terrain. A sun crust could be on or near the surface on south aspects.
20 to 40 cm of soft snow from last week remains soft in wind-sheltered areas. Reports suggest this snow is bonding fairly well to previous surfaces.
A thick crust with facets over it, from late January, can be found down 100 to 200 cm. We do not have concerns about the snowpack below this layer.
Tuesday Night
Mostly cloudy. 1 to 3 cm of snow, with potential for upslope enhancement. 30 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.
Wednesday
Mostly cloudy. 1 to 5 cm of snow, with potential for upslope enhancement. 30 km/h east ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.
Thursday
Mix of sun and clouds. 1 cm of snow. 20 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.
Friday
Mostly cloudy. 3 to 10 cm of snow. 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
