The snowpack is primed for large human triggered avalanches, remain diligent and do not expose yourself to large slopes.
Have plans to ski conservative, well-supported slopes with limited overhead exposure. Now is not the time to challenge yourself on bold lines!
Variable winds, initially from the SW, then switching to the NE, and then back to the W, have created wind slabs in atypical lee features. These slabs have the potential to trigger the deeper Feb 3 layer.
This crust-facet combo (Feb 3rd) was created by an extended cold, clear period without snow earlier this month. 80-140cm now sits on the persistent weak layer which remains primed for human triggering (see FB video). If triggered resulting avalanches could be very large in size.
On Monday, a field crew remote-triggered a sz 1 on the Feb 3 crust while approaching a snow profile site. Under the Rampart a sz 3 was observed from the last few days showing very wide propagation.
A skier-triggered a sz 2 slab on Avalanche Crest Sunday.
Last week, a group triggered a size 3 in the Camp West area, also failing on the Feb 3rd crust.
We continue to see daily reports in the region of human triggered avalanches on the Feb 3rd layer - some failing in small forest openings.
80-140cm of settled snow sits atop sugary facets. These facets are not bonding/sticking well to the widespread, very firm Feb 3 crust. This crust is a significant persistent weak layer and will be the main layer of concern for the foreseeable future.
To add to the concerning mix, variable winds over the last 3 days have created soft wind slabs at Tree-line and above on most aspects.
Cool and dry weather for the next few days, the late winter sun packs a punch and will increase the likelihood of avalanches as it warms the upper snowpack
Wed: Mix of sun/cloud, high -14°C, light W winds, FZL at valley bottom.
Thurs: Mix of sun/cloud, high -15°C, light SW winds, FZL 800m.
Fri: Cloudy & isolated flurries, trace of new snow, low -10°C, moderate SW winds, FZL 1300m.
