Wind slabs are still problematic in isolated terrain features. No natural loose dry avalanches are expected today with the lack of sunshine; however, always pay attention to your sluff in steep confined terrain.
Weather Forecast
Mainly cloudy with 30% chance of flurries today, fl will rise to 900m, and the wind will be light from the East. Tonight a low-pressure system moves North from the US border towards Rogers Pass; unfortunately, we are only forecasted to receive 5cm tonight, and only a few more tomorrow. The unsettled weather may linger through Friday.
Snowpack Summary
Expect a variety of surface conditions from surface facets to wind slabs, and sun crusts . Sun crusts will be found on steeper solar terrain making for difficult travel. Moderate to strong winds have deposited thin wind slabs on exposed terrain features at ridge-top and exposed treeline areas. The mid and lower snowpack is well settled and strong.
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanche activity was observed in the highway corridor over the past few days, nor have there been any new avalanche reports from the backcountry. Several loose, dry point releases from steep solar aspects were noted recently, generally failing in the surface facets.
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.