A reactive persistent weak layer remains the primary concern for the region - especially around treeline
Stick to low-angle slopes and avoid exposing yourself to steep terrain from above
Be aware of the potential for remote triggering and large avalanches due to a persistent weak layer of buried surface hoar or a crust, especially at treeline and forested openings or cutclocks.
Wednesday
With the warmer temperatures and sun, there were several reports of wet loose avalanche activity up to size 1.5, and sluffing and pin-wheeling. Explosive triggered cornice and, slab avalanches were reported near Golden.
Tuesday
A skier remotely triggered a size 1.5 persistent slab at treeline from 50 m away.
Looking forward
Natural avalanches are unlikely, but riders triggering slabs remains possible to likely.
The recent snow is covering previously wind-affected surfaces. Solar-facing slopes and lower elevations have a surface crust.
A persistent weak layer of surface hoar or crust is buried 40 to 60 cm, with deeper areas like the Dogtooth Range reporting this layer up to 100 cm deep. Recent persistent slab avalanches have failed on this layer, many triggered in sheltered openings at treeline and below.
The mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled. In shallow snowpack areas, large facets or depth hoar are present at the bottom of the snowpack.
Thursday Night
Mostly clear skies. 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C.
Friday
Mostly cloudy. 1 cm of snow. 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.
Saturday
Mostly cloudy. 1 to 3 mm of precipitation as snow or rain at treeline. 60 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 2100 m.
Sunday
Mix of sun and clouds. 5 to 15 mm of precipitation as snow or rain at treeline. 60 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 2100 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
