Sensitive wind slabs have developed and will continue to do so. Avoid all wind loaded terrain over 30 degrees. Wind slabs will be found sitting on top of the 1/12 rain crust, and slide and propagate with ease.
Expect to see wind slabs 2-4' thick, predominantly near and above tree line. Winds have been moderate to strong, and with 1' of new snow recorded at Salt Creek summit on 1/27 there’s plenty of snow for transport.
The Solstice Rain Crust has been observed in the Northern Wallowas in some locations only 2' from the surface. This layer will become agitated and more reactive with a new load being added to it. Use caution, as triggering an avalanche on this layer could be large and destructive.
Photo taken by local rider this past Sunday from the 100 Hillclimb.
We are not out of the woods in regards to weak persistent grains (sugar snow) from Mid November and the Solstice Rain Crust. These layers are not buried that deeply in the snowpack. Triggering one of them could ruin your day. Just because you get away with riding a steep slope, it doesn't mean you made good terrain choices. Consider digging into the snowpack so you can see for yourself, what lurks below.
