Wind-affected new snow falling on slick, old snow surfaces make avalanches a possibility today. In mid and upper elevation terrain, watch out for signs of snow instability including cracking, active wind transport, and recent avalanches. Being caught in even a small avalanche can have deadly consequences, especially with firm snow surfaces and exposed rocks, ice, and vegetation.
It is possible to find small, sensitive wind slabs today on north through southeast aspects at mid and upper elevations. Though most likely only D1 in size, don’t rule out the potential for deeper pockets of sensitive snow in sheltered terrain features. With a slick, firm bed-surface below the new snow, expect poorly bonded slabs and an increased hazard of a long sliding fall if an avalanche occurs.
1 - 2 inches of new snow fell at Hermit Lake overnight with another 1.7 inches forecast to fall during the day today. With a consistent southwest shifting west wind at 35 - 55 miles per hour, even this small amount of new snow will have the opportunity to form wind slabs that are 4 - 8 inches deep in lee and wind-sheltered terrain. With these lighter than normal wind speeds and a hard old snow surface, it would not be a surprise to find areas where these slabs are very sensitive to human triggers. Be cautious and observant, especially in north-facing terrain, where the old snow surface is crusty and smooth and new snow will struggle to bond well to that surface.
Forecasters enjoyed a ski tour in the sun yesterday across multiple aspects, elevations, and ravines. They noted the deceptiveness of snow slopes from a distance, which looked very appealing to ski, but upon closer investigation these slopes proved to be extremely firm and barely edgeable. It was an important reminder to be adaptable, not locked into a particular objective, and have a good plan-B. Since there is still some level of uncertainty about the size, distribution, and sensitivity of new wind slabs, this decision making advice is recommended to anyone travelling in avalanche terrain today.
The Lion Head Summer Trail is now closed for the season due to avalanche risk. The Lion Head Winter Route is open.
Please help us and your fellow skiers, riders, and climbers by submitting any pertinent or interesting observations to our website.
