New snow will form reactive storm slabs throughout the day on Monday.
If you notice signs of instability, such as shooting cracks in the new snow, retreat to non-avalanche terrain.
A crust with surface hoar or facets, buried on January 26, persists in the upper snowpack. While triggering this layer is becoming less likely, small wind slabs could step down to it, producing large avalanches.
New snow continues to accumulate on top of a widespread crust. Slab avalanches will be most reactive at higher elevations in wind-affected areas.
On Friday and Saturday, numerous natural avalanches up to size 2.5 were observed throughout the region. Many of the observed avalanches are suspected to have occurred during the storm on Feb 10th and 11th.
Be sure to post your observations to the MIN if you get out!
Approximately 30 to 60 cm of storm snow has accumulated, accompanied by strong southerly winds, burying a widespread crust that developed in early February. This crust is generally stronger and more supportive at treeline and above, while it is weaker or absent below treeline, where moist snow persists beneath the new snow.
A January 26 crust with surface hoar or faceted snow lies 60 to 120 cm deep, likely persisting only at higher elevations. At lower elevations, it has been rain-soaked and destroyed.
Otherwise, the snowpack is generally well settled and well bonded, with no other significant concerns.
Sunday Night
Cloudy. 5 to 10 cm of snow. 10 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.
Monday
Mostly cloudy. 4 to 10 cm of snow. 30 km/h east ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C.
Tuesday
Mix of sun and clouds. 1 to 4 cm of snow. 40 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -13 °C.
Wednesday
Mostly sunny. 30 km/h east ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -19 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
