Human triggered avalanches are possible on steep slopes near ridgelines and open convexities. Wind and storm slab instabilities may be found in these specific terrain features - which may be identified and avoided with careful route-finding.
Recent shifting wind directions have transported snow on all aspects. Winds are forecasted to continue to be variable and shifting. Light, low density snow on the surface can be easily blown around. Look to avoid steep areas with cornice formation, wind etching, and surface hardness changes.
The top 2 feet of the snowpack consists of the recent storm layers stacked on one another, some layers showing cohesion but some are still questionable. Down around 1 foot it is possible in spots to find a weak layer of grapel rimed snow. In steep ridge-top places where wind has built firmer slabs atop softer snow is a set up for likely higher snowpack sensitivity. Even though tests didn't show a propensity to fail, there's still enough uncertainty with these layers to have a higtened concern. The best way to avoid triggering an avalanche on these layers is to avoid slopes over 35 degrees.
Yesterday, two teams went out for field observations gaining a better overall picture on current conditions. One group was in the West Cabinets up the Trestle drainage and the other in the Selkirks Jeru peak area. A quick snowpack change has taken place in the last 2 weeks through a few different storm pulses. Natural avalanche activity in storm and wind slabs are tapering off along with other easy or obvious signs of snowpack instabilities. While overall avalanche danger and reactivity may be decreasing, snowpack observations and tests are showing there are still layers to keep watch on.
3-4 feet down are December rain crusts with weak snow near these crusts. These weaknesses are small yet notable in the fact these weak grains will continue to be present for some time.
Finding good safe places to snowmobile and ski isn't hard these days. There's plenty of soft, deep snow out there to safely play in. Yesterday we were able to easily avoid potentially problematic areas and find good snow for snowmobiling and skiing. Look for slopes 32 degrees or less, and try to not undercut steep slopes with over hanging avalanche paths. Manage the slope angle and you'll manage any potential avalanche problems. Enjoy the powder while it lasts!
A mix of rain / snow will move into the Panhandle today. The models forecast a wintery mix of rain, snow and sleet to continue through the weekend. Minimal snow accumulation is expected. Current temperatures will warm slightly and hover between 25-35 degrees (F). Right now, the rain / snow line is projected to be around 4000 feet in elevation.
