East Slopes North

A healthy dusting of new snow shouldn’t produce any meaningful avalanche concerns. Instead, it may take a bit of extra time and/or skill to navigate the wide variety of snow conditions you might encounter. 

After such a long dry spell, we’re all probably more excited about this inch or so of new snow than normal. Sure the winds might whip it into a tiny, very thin slab in exposed areas. Or, it might produce a few golfball sized rollerballs in the sunshine. No matter how you look at it, it shouldn’t create any avalanche concerns. 

Most conversations continue to focus on the variable travel conditions. The snow surface is extremely variable even over short distances but in general… After several sunny days, southerly slopes hold firm, sometimes icy, smooth snow. These aren’t likely to soft much on Friday due to the new snow and cold temperatures even with some sunshine. Shadier aspects hold breakable crusts, firm scoured areas, wind textured snow, chalky surfaces, and pockets of recycled powder (facets). You’re most likely to find softer conditions on shady, sheltered slopes at any elevation. Maybe the new snow will help soften some of the icier travel spots. 

This prolonged cold and dry period has caused the snow surface to weaken significantly. Crusts have begun to degrade and the upper snowpack facet. You can find plenty of surface hoar and/or near surface facets in areas that don’t receive direct sunshine. The upper foot (30cm) of the snowpack still holds other notable layers (1/10 and 1/1). These aren’t an issue right now but are worth monitoring as we impatiently await our next real storm.