The Bottom Line: Light snow and wind will drive heightened avalanche danger at the highest slopes. Watch for fresh drifts, wind stiffened snow, and slippery old snow surfaces. Rain may fall at low elevations.
Snow and Avalanche Discussion
A variety of old snow surface exist from weak facets on shaded slopes to very firm, slick crusts on sunny slopes. New snow may not stick well to some of these interfaces. Check the bond at the new/old snow interface. Watch for slipping on firm crusts especially in terrain where a fall could have consequences or where stopping a fall may be difficult.
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Arrowhead Mountain's Northwest aspect on January 25.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
The latest round of snow and wind will be just enough to raise the avalanche danger above treeline. Watch for shallow drifts on leeward sides of ridges. While any avalanches will be small, they may be easy to trigger on the old snow surface. Use small test slopes and quick tests, like a shovel tilt test, to check how the new snow is bonding to old surfaces.
