With new snow on the surface, even light winds may form pockets of fresh wind slabs atop a widespread crust.
Recent snow and southerly winds may be forming fresh wind slabs at higher elevations. The recent snow may not be bonding to an underlying crust in some areas.
A crust with surface hoar or facets, buried on January 26, persists in the upper snowpack. While triggering this layer is becoming less likely, small wind slabs could step down to it, producing large avalanches.
Since the weekend, a few size 1 to 2 wind slab avalanches have been reported, averaging 20 to 30 cm in depth.
Observations have been limited by poor visibility and difficult weather, so be sure to post your observations to the MIN if you get out!
Approximately 10 to 30 cm of new snow has accumulated since the weekend on top of a widespread crust. This crust is generally stronger and more supportive at treeline elevations and above, while it is weaker (or absent) below treeline, where moist snow persists.
A crust with surface hoar and/or faceted snow, buried on January 26, is roughly 50 to 90 cm below the surface. This layer is most likely to persist at higher elevations, while at lower elevations, it was likely rain-soaked and destroyed last week.
The remainder of the snowpack is generally well settled and bonded, with no significant concerns.
Snow depths at treeline range from 150 to 250 cm.
Tuesday Night
Cloudy. Trace amounts of snow. 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.
Wednesday
Cloudy. Up to 5 cm of snow. 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.
Thursday
Mostly cloudy. 5 to 15 cm of snow. 70 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1100 m.
Friday
Mix of sun and clouds. 3 to 5 cm of snow. 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
