Surface hoar layer not readily found on east treeline aspects on today's field trip. Forecasters are still nervous about this elusive weakness so continued cautious decision making is advised.
Weather Forecast
Continued snow as a series of storms roll over the area. Expecting up to 40 cm accumulated by Tuesday night. Mod to strong SW winds with warm valley bottom temps cooling with elevation.
Snowpack Summary
25 cm new (and more on the way) over a well settled snowpack at treeline and below. In the alpine and TL, strong SW winds redistributing the new snow on the lee aspects. The distribution of the surface hoar that formed during last week's inversion is widespread but is most likely best preserved on sheltered north aspect slopes.
Avalanche Summary
No new activity observed.
Confidence
Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Sunday
Problems
Storm Slabs
Storm Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer (a slab) of new snow that breaks within new snow or on the old snow surface. Storm-slabs typically last between a few hours and few days (following snowfall). Storm-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.