The drought continues.....
Weather Forecast
Cold temps continuing through Saturday then gradual warming into the new week. No precipitation expected for the foreseeable future (sigh). Skies becoming overcast with light westerly winds.
Snowpack Summary
Variable wind slab in open or exposed terrain. Sun crust formed on steep solar aspects due to previous warm alpine temperatures. In most areas the snowpack is characterized by facets on a supportive mid-pack that is bridging basal facets. Widespread surface hoar growth.
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanche observations.
Confidence
The weather pattern is stable on Saturday
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.