Warm temp's today/tomorrow will keep the storm slab touchy. Cornices looming overhead should also be of concern.
Weather Forecast
Cool morning temp's but a rapid warming by noon will see freezing levels rise to 1800m. Otherwise, today will be mainly cloudy with isolated flurries, and light ridge-top winds. A minor front rolls through Wed night, bringing 10-15cm, mod SW winds, and elevated freezing levels around 1700-1800m through much of Thursday.
Snowpack Summary
Rogers Pass received 85cm of snow in the past week. Slab development has been widespread in the area, with mild temp's and strong S-SW winds creating a reactive layer. On solar aspects this slab sits on a crust. The mild temp's will promote bonding of the slab to the underlying surfaces, but this takes time. Below 1600m, expect heavy, moist snow.
Avalanche Summary
The natural avalanche cycle seems to have slowed down. No reports of human-triggered avalanches yesterday. However, 3 from Monday and a serious one involving an injured skier on Sunday underline the fact that the storm slab needs time to bond. Artillery control yesterday produced many slides to size 2.5-3, with a few larger 3.5's.
Confidence
Due to the number of field observations
Problems
Storm Slabs
Storm Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer (a slab) of new snow that breaks within new snow or on the old snow surface. Storm-slabs typically last between a few hours and few days (following snowfall). Storm-slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.
Wind Slabs
Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.