Consistent storms have created the potential for new snow avalanches. Be on the lookout for cracking in deposits of new and wind-stiffened snow. The potential to trigger an avalanche in the old snow still exists. Staying off slopes steeper than 30 degrees is advised to avoid getting caught in a slide.
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Fairly consistent storms have been depositing snow on top of a crust since February 1st. Small warm-ups have been consolidating this new snow. This process builds storm slab avalanches. Cracking in the new snow is a sure sign you've found a storm slab. Digging down to the crust to test the bond between the old and new snow is a good way to check for storm slab instability.
Soft storm slab avalanche.
Reports from the field indicate the persistent weak layers in the snowpack are becoming less reactive. They are also getting more deeply buried. This is good for the overall stability. The problem is that it is still not impossible to trigger one of these slides. And the consequences of triggering one of them would be mega. Careful snowpack analysis is required before riding avalanche terrain. If you do not have the skills to conduct this analysis, choose terrain less than 30 degrees. This observation from the Elkhorns by ski guide Sarah Jakober speaks to the improving, but not great persistent slab problem.
(2/7/2024)
Snowpit Graph form the Elkhorns 2/7
Rain, warm temps, and lack of significant low elevation snow means we are dropping the below treeline danger to Low. Low danger does not mean NO danger! Pay attention to what the snow is telling you and remember the snowpack near and above the treeline has much different problems and is still very worthy of your attention.
Fairly consistent storms have been depositing snow on top of a crust since February 1st. The full gamut of new snow avalanche problems (wind slabs, storm slabs, dry loose) are possible. Observations from the Southern Wallowas mention finding all three of these avalanche problems over the past 3 days near and above treeline.
Reports from the field indicate the persistent weak layers in the snowpack are becoming less reactive. They are also getting more deeply buried. This is good for the overall stability. The problem is that it is still not impossible to trigger one of these slides. And the consequences of triggering one of them would be mega. This observation from the Elkhorns by ski guide Sarah Jakober speaks to the improving, but not great persistent slab problem. Careful snowpack analysis is required before riding avalanche terrain. If you do not have the skills to conduct this analysis, choose terrain less than 30 degrees
WAC Executive Director/Forecaster, Victor McNeil wrote this excellent Conditions Blog. It provides a great summary of conditions in January and what that means for the snowpack now in February.
