While deeper snowpack zones seem to be a bit better, we are still wary of large triggers like cornices, or triggering the deeper persistent layers from shallow or rocky areas. Moderate terrain choices with limited overhead hazard continue to be the best way to manage the uncertainty in the snowpack.
Polar aspects should hold better skiing than sun exposed features at treeline and below.
Three persistent weak layers formed in January are down 60-110 cm. The biggest concern is triggering these buried suncrusts on steep solar slopes, but weaker facets and isolated surface hoar can be found on the same interface on shaded aspects.
Weaker facets and depth hoar are still present at the bottom of the snowpack and inspire little confidence. Be especially cautious in thin snowpack or rocky areas, which are likely areas for triggering. Cornices may also trigger this layer, especially with new wind loading or the heat of the sun in the afternoon.
Not much avalanche activity has been observed in this area during the past week, however thinner snowpack forecast areas to the East have seen significant avalanches on the different persistent layers almost every day.
A few cm's of new snow overnight. Steep solar slopes at treeline and below are seeing the effects of the sun, with a significant sun crust in places. The various Jan PWL interfaces of sun crusts, facets, and surface hoar are now down 60-110 cm. The weaker Nov. 16 basal facet layer is down 120-170 cm and occasionally produces moderate to hard sudden collapse results in tests.
A few cm's of new snow is expected Friday night with scattered flurries and a few sunny breaks on Saturday. Light W-SW winds with cool alpine temperatures of between -15 to -20°C are forecast.
For a more detailed weather forecast, click here.
