Recent strong winds at higher elevations have formed wind slabs that are likely to remain reactive in exposed areas.
Recent snowfall, accompanied by strong southwest winds, has formed wind slabs in exposed terrain. These slabs may remain surprisingly reactive due to an underlying crust.
Numerous naturally and skier-triggered storm slabs were reported in the region on Wednesday and Thursday. These avalanches ranged from size 1 to 2 and occurred on north through east aspects in the alpine and at treeline. Wind loading was likely a factor in the location of these avalanches.
As much as 20 cm of snow has likely accumulated across parts of the region. Strong southwest winds are expected to have redistributed the snow into deeper deposits on north and east facing slopes.
The 10 to 15 cm thick crust that formed as a result of the recent atmospheric river event is found down 40 to 60 cm. This crust extends up to at least 1500 m in the north and 2000 m in the south. Moist snow is found beneath this crust.
The early February crust is found at depths of 100 to 160 cm. This layer is not currently a concern.
The remainder of the snowpack is generally well settled and bonded.
Friday Night
Mostly cloudy. 1 to 5 cm of snow. 20 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -11 °C.
Saturday
Mostly sunny. 10 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.
Sunday
Mix of sun and clouds. 1 to 5 cm of snow. 10 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -9 °C.
Monday
Mix of sun and clouds. 1 to 10 cm of snow. 20 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -11 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
