At Rogers Pass in February 2019, we received half as much snow as average, and the temperatures were twice as cold.
Weather Forecast
Sunny skies today, with an alpine high of -8*C, and the wind will be light from the East. Should be clear and cold again tonight; followed by a weak low-pressure from the SW on Wednesday and Thursday. We are forecasted to receive between 5-15cm of snow, rising freezing levels and increased wind from the SW.
Snowpack Summary
Expect surface facets and a variety of wind slabs in most locations. 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 yesterday, 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.
Confidence
Due to the number and quality of field observations
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.
Loose Dry
Loose Dry avalanches are the release of dry unconsolidated snow and typically occur within layers of soft snow near the surface of the snowpack. These avalanches start at a point and entrain snow as they move downhill, forming a fan-shaped avalanche. Other names for loose-dry avalanches include point-release avalanches or sluffs.