A weak and variable snowpack (from recent strong winds and cold temps) warrants a cautious approach.
Weather Forecast
An arctic front approaches from the NE and moves south over the forecast region producing snow flurries and cooler temps.Friday: Cloudy with flurries (up to 5 cm). Alpine Low -16 C, High -7 C. Ridge wind light S.Saturday: Cloudy with isolated flurries. Alpine Low -18 °C, High -10 °C. Ridge wind light NE.
Snowpack Summary
Wind slabs and extensive wind effect found in all open areas. Recent warm temps and solar effect have likely created a crust on solar aspects at below treeline. The upper snowpack is a 50 to 80 cm thick slab that sits on three weak layers in the mid-pack. The entire snowpack is faceted after two weeks of cold, dry weather.
Avalanche Summary
Isolated large Na avalanches were observed on a road patrol Wednesday, one windslab from a cross loaded pocket on a W aspect, and one persistent slab on an E aspect. Otherwise there has been minimal activity since the extensive avalanche cycle on February 8-9. Slopes that did not avalanche during this cycle should still be carefully assessed.
Confidence
Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain
Problems
Persistent Slabs
Persistent Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) in the middle to upper snowpack, when the bond to an underlying persistent weak layer breaks. Persistent layers include: surface hoar, depth hoar, near-surface facets, or faceted snow. Persistent weak layers can continue to produce avalanches for days, weeks or even months, making them especially dangerous and tricky. As additional snow and wind events build a thicker slab on top of the persistent weak layer, this avalanche problem may develop into a Deep Persistent Slab.
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.