New snow and steady wind have created slabs of stiff snow. These slabs are most likely to be found at higher elevations where the wind has deposited snow. Watch for and avoid drifts, hollow sounding, or punchy snow.
This forecast is sponsored by CB Construction.
A variety of snow surfaces existed before this latest round of snow. There were areas of slick crust, dense wind-packed snow, and nice fluffy powder. The wind has now picked up and whipped up a layer of more dense snow that sits atop these surfaces. These fresh Wind Slabs are prime for triggering today.
The heavy wet snow and high wind that accompanied the Christmas storm tested the Deep Persistent Slab problem. While observations are very limited, no avalanches have been reported to have failed on the weak November snow over the last week. While this layer does seem to be becoming less reactive, it does still exist and is stubbornly reactive in some stability tests. This sugary weak snow is now buried 3-5' deep. This creates a low likelihood, high consequence scenario. Triggering one of these avalanches would be most likely in a shallow rocky area on an NW-E aspect.
Increasing winds from the SE, S and SW yesterday started moving snow around. The winds built shallow, touchy Wind Slabs. Overnight continued winds and more snow will have made these slabs thicker and more widespread. Winds will stay strong enough today to keep moving snow and building slabs.
Any time a new load is added to the snowpack the weak snow sitting at the base is tested. While unlikely, the added weight of the wind deposited snow and you could trigger a Deep Persistent Slab avalanche.
