West Slopes North

Slab avalanches starting in steep rocky areas and falling cornices remain a danger in isolated terrain features, especially on slopes that face the sun. Remain vigilant of hazards in terrain above you. A firm snow surface may make for challenging travel.

No recent avalanche activity was noted on Saturday or Sunday. Minimal heat related instabilities (like rollerballs) were reported on solar aspects. Observations indicate the snow surface remained frozen.  The exception was in terrain receiving strong sun where the crust softened - but still remained supportable.

Large glide cracks and “wrinkled” snow surfaces abound in rocky, rugged terrain. These features indicate where the entire snowpack is slipping on the smooth ground below and could potentially avalanche. Even with Low danger, there is still a chance one or more of these could sporadically release in isolated terrain features. The likelihood is greatest on sun-warmed slopes near treeline, but glide avalanches can release at any time. Identify and minimize time spent below these features, cornices, or anything else that looks unstable and poorly attached to the rest of the slope. 

At the highest elevations, small wind slabs could still present risk in steep, exposed terrain. Identify and evaluate wind loaded terrain before moving onto consequential slopes.                                             

This weekend brought a combination of the strongest sun and warmest temperatures yet this year.  On the other hand, we have a very strong rain affected snowpack capped with a stout crust that has resisted significant melting. Between the solid snowpack (bring a pickaxe to dig a pit), low January sun, and other factors that inhibited melt, the big warm-up delivered no increase in avalanche danger. This could change in the coming week with continued above freezing temperatures. 

Expect challenging travel conditions on frozen, uneven surfaces. If you haven’t made it to the mountains since the rain and then high pressure took over, be prepared to see a very different environment. Exposed rock, glide cracks, open creeks, and a rough snow surface all present new hazards to avoid.