Good skiing in sheltered locations today with 10-15cm of new snow overnight. Use caution in wind affected areas as skier triggering of new wind slabs is possible, especially if sun crust or loose facets are present under the wind slabs.
Weather Forecast
Mostly cloudy through Sunday with light flurries and continued moderate to strong W winds. Light snow is forecast on Saturday. Winds shifting to the NW on Sunday with cooler dryer weather arriving.
Snowpack Summary
10-15 cm of new snow overnight forming wind slabs in open areas at tree line and above with continued moderate to strong SW winds. The new snow appears to be bonding well to the Jan 23 interface which is made up of either sun crust, facets or wind slabs depending on the aspect and elevation. No other significant shears found in the snow pack.
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches observed in the last week. The new wind slabs formed on Thursday will be susceptible to skier triggering in steep terrain over the next few days.
Confidence
Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain
Problems
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.