Storm snow from last week has been redistributed into pockets of wind slab at tree line and in the alpine.
Weather Forecast
SUNDAY NIGHT: Mostly cloudy, moderate southwest winds, alpine temperature -6 CMONDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, moderate west winds, alpine temperature -5 CTUESDAY: Cloudy with sunny breaks, light southwest winds, alpine temperature -6 CWEDNESDAY: Flurries with 5-10 cm accumulation, light to moderate southwest winds, alpine temperature -2 C, Freezing level 1300m
Avalanche Summary
There was a report of a natural size 2 wind slab avalanche on a north aspect in the alpine on Sunday. A natural avalanche cycle occurred on Thursday into Friday. Large (size 2 to 3) storm slab avalanches were triggered naturally and by explosives on Friday and Saturday within the storm snow.
Snowpack Summary
Around 60 to 80 cm of snow fell in the region last Thursday and Friday above 1500 m. The snow fell with strong southwest winds, so expect the deepest deposits in lee terrain features near ridges at higher elevations. In sheltered areas around treeline, this snow overlies a weak layer of feathery surface hoar crystals. Below 1500 m, the precipitation largely fell as rain, so expect wet snow that will freeze into a hard crust once temperatures cool.In the east side of the region near Corbin, a persistent weak layer that formed in early December may still be found 80 to 120 cm deep. This layer mostly consists of sugary faceted snow with some isolated areas also containing feathery surface hoar crystals. While professionals are still tracking this layer, it has not been reactive for some time now.Near the bottom of the snowpack lies a mix of crusts and facets that formed in late October/early November. This layer may only be an issue on steep slopes where the snowpack is shallow.
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.