Storm snow continues to build the snowpack. Be mindful of steep uniform slopes in the mid and upper elevations. Check for storm snow instabilities, such as hardness changes or cracking snow, on small inconsequential test slopes as you travel while being ready to step back to conservative terrain.
Stormy weather and new snow are expected incrementally through the rest of the week. Storm Slabs are widespread and hard to avoid at and above treeline. Recent rain and snow mix has loaded and increased weight to these storm slabs near the snowpacks surface. If the less dense snow beneath this developing layer doesn't stick together, it could shift and break apart in avalanche terrain.
Warm temps and rain may cause a release of wet unconsolidated snow at low elevations. You may observe roller balls or "Pinwheels" peeling away and running down slope. Expect gloppy, wet or mushy surface conditions when touring.
The Sekirks/Cabinet zone has encountered more than two days of continuous snow and rain. While upper elevations have seen snowfall, lower elevations have predominantly experienced rain. Snowtel sites across the zone report snow water equivalent (SWE) ranging from 0.6 to 1.1 inches over the past 48 hours. You can find more information at USDA NRCS Snow Programs.
This prolonged storm has resulted in a wet, heavy layer overlaying the light, dry snow from last week's storm. Whenever heavy wet snow sits atop dry, light snow, potential interface issues may arise. Typically, wet snow events like this strengthen over time but pose a greater concern during the storm.
Storm slabs are prevalent, especially in avalanche-prone areas, and avoiding them can be challenging. While higher elevations show good bonding of these layers, noticeable density variations exist depending on your location. Over the next few days, the ongoing mix of snow and rain will increase the weight on the snowpack, adding stress. Despite multiple snowpack tests at higher elevations showing no signs of concerning failure or propagation
Lower elevations have predominantly experienced rain, leading to a reduction in snowpack depth and has made in unsupportable in many areas. Off-trail travel may prove tricky at best. Desiring colder temperatures after last week's Arctic blast is the last thing we want, but it's what we need to increase the supportability of the lower elevation snowpack
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The completed report from the Steven's Peak accident that occurred on 1/11 is now published to IPACs website.Accident report
