A weak layer of surface hoar lurks in sheltered features, dig down and investigate the bond between recent storm snow and the old surface. At upper elevations be wary of windslabs in loaded terrain.
10-25 cm of new, low-density storm snow has slowly accumulated over the past few days. Changing wind directions may deposit deeper and stiffer slabs on multiple aspects. Anywhere the new snow feels stiff and more cohesive may be more reactive, especially where it sits above a buried weak layer. Be mindful of loose-snow or sluff in steeper features.
20-40 cm sits above a weak layer that consists of surface hoar, facets, and/ or a crust. As the new snow becomes more cohesive and gains slab properties, the likelihood of avalanches may increase.
SUNDAY NIGHT - Clear and cold / moderate to strong northeast wind / alpine high temperature near -28
MONDAY - A mix of sun and cloud / light to moderate southeast wind / alpine high temperature near -22
TUESDAY - Mostly sunny / moderate southeast wind / alpine high temperature near -26
WEDNESDAY - Sunny / moderate increasing to strong east wind / alpine high temperature near -24
There have been no new avalanches reported in the region for a few days, however, observations are limited. Please consider sharing your observations on the Mountain Information Network!
On Thursday a MIN report from the Seaton South Ridge about a size 1 wind slab on a north aspect at treeline. The report said that the bed surface had a few cm's of soft snow, possibly surface hoar, above a somewhat icy crust. The slab was small but ran fast on the bed surface.
Once the new low-density storm snow becomes more consolidated and forms a slab, the likelihood of avalanches may increase.
20-40 cm of recent, low-density storm snow from the past week sits on a persistent weak layer. This layer consists of surface hoar in locations sheltered from the wind, and facets and stiff wind affected snow in exposed terrain. On solar aspects, a buried sun crust can be found and a thick crust exists near the surface below 1000 m.
The lower snowpack has two decomposing crust layers. The upper crust is 70-140 cm deep and continues to show occasional hard, sudden results in snow pits.
The deeper crust at the bottom of the snowpack is more prevalent in shallow snowpack ranges. These deep persistent layers seem to be dormant under the current conditions, but shallow rocky slopes should still be carefully assessed and approached with caution.
