We added a new persistent problem to the bulletin due to a gradual increase in slab development over the Jan 30 interface. Though we have seen very few avalanches on this layer thus far. We expect this to change with more snow and settlement.
As you approach treeline, expect to encounter slab development. Take the time to investigate what the recent snow is sitting on and how it is bonding.
This layer exist as surface hoar in sheltered areas and sun crust on steep southerly aspects 20 to 30cm down. We have only observed a few avalanche on this interface so far. As more slab develops over this layer, we expect it to become more reactive.
A small system is moving into the forecast region for the beginning of the week. The westerly flow is forecasted to deposit up to 15cm of snow over the next three days. Freezing levels for Monday and Tuesday will reach 1100m with daytime warming. Strong westerly winds are expected at upper elevations till Wednesday.
Moderate winds continue to redistribute the 20-30 cm of recent snow at upper elevations creating wind slab on lee slopes. At tree line and below the recent storm snow is beginning to develop into a slab, which overlays the Jan 30 surface hoar and sun crust. This interface is found 20 to 30cm down. Shallow snowpack areas remain weak and faceted.
A few natural avalanche obs today have show some activity on the Jan 30 persistent layer. A natural cornice release that pulled size 2 slab below was observed in the sunshine back country. Another observation of a natural size 1 in the Simpson burn, released on a steep role below tree line. We suspect both these avalanches failed on the Jan 30.
