Avoid areas where the snowpack transitions from thick to thin and triggering a weak layer is more likely.
Strong east winds have reverse loaded slopes.
In some areas this wind slab may be sitting on weak surface hoar crystals buried in mid January.
A weak layer buried 100 to 300 cm remains a concern.
Avoid shallow rocky areas where the snow transitions from thick to thin and triggering this layer is more likely.
If triggered the resulting avalanche would be very large and destructive.
Saturday: One large (size 2) wind slab was reported on a north west aspect in the alpine.
Friday: One large (size 2.5) natural avalanche was reported on a west aspect in the alpine, it is believed to be a wind slab from strong southeast winds in the region
Operators in the area are still concerned about a weak layer of facets over a crust from early December that has produced large avalanches.
Previous strong winds have scoured terrain at treeline and above on all aspects. Ongoing cold temperatures have softened the surface of wind affected terrain in many areas.
In sheltered terrain 30 to 60 cm of faceted snow overlies a crust and layer of surface hoar from late January.
Another layer of surface hoar was buried near the middle of January and can be found 50 to 100 cm deep.
A weak layer of facets and a crust from early December varies in depth from 100 to 300 cm. This layer remains a concern in this region.
Sunday Night
Partly cloudy. 10 km/h east ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -14 °C.
Monday
Mostly sunny. 10 to 20 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.
Tuesday
A mix of sun and cloud. 20 to 30 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.
Wednesday
Mostly cloudy with flurries. 30 to 40 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
