Many steep lines were skied over the weekend, which gives evidence that the snowpack is generally strong. Remember that pockets of unstable snow exist in isolated locations. Be aware when skiing near or over terrain traps
Weather Forecast
An upper ridge of high pressure will dominate the weather today in the Columbia's. Dry conditions are expected through Tuesday. A change is expected for Wednesday as a surface low moves in with a maritime front, and rising freezing levels.
Snowpack Summary
The storm slab is most reactive where it overlies a sun crust down ~30cm on steep solar aspects in the alpine. The Nov 6 crust is down 80-120cm with facets around the crust. Results vary; sudden planar-collapse; Comp test easy- deep tap test hard on the Nov. 6 crust. The mid-pack is strong.
Avalanche Summary
Recently, wind loading is the trigger. A few avalanches to 1.5-2.5 east of Summit along the highway were noted. One cornice fall from Mt. Cheops did not propagate a slide. No avalanches have stepped down to the Nov 6 crust, yet.
Confidence
Due to the number of field observations
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.
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.