Cold temperatures continue to weaken the upper snowpack. Surface sluffing and small pockets of wind slab are the main concern in the region.
Weather Forecast
More tolerable temperatures are forecasted for the remainder of the week with day time highs into the negative single digits. Minimal inputs of snow and wind for Wednesday and Thursday but as the weekend approaches a small system will move in bringing snow values of 5-10cm.
Snowpack Summary
Alpine areas are a mix of wind blasted and/or soft (faceted) surface snow depending on location - sheltered areas have 40 cm ski penetration. The Jan 17 surface hoar/crust interface can be found below 2200 m down 40-60 cm, producing moderate tests results. The lower snowpack consist of a strong mid-pack sitting over a weak faceted basel structure.
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches observed or reported.
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.