We have a big snow load overtop a very reactive weak layer down around 1m. Approach open slopes at all elevations with a great deal of caution.
Weather Forecast
Low off the coast of Alaska continues to bring inclement weather from the Pacific to the Interior. Light snow is expected today with westerly winds 20-30km/hr. More significant snowfall is forecast later tomorrow with associated strong west winds.
Snowpack Summary
20cm of new snow sits over 1m of settling recent storm snow from the past week. The Feb 10 facet/surface hoar layer and 2 late January surface hoar layers lie beneath this 1.2m slab. This interface has been the cause of numerous natural avalanches over the past week.
Avalanche Summary
6 natural size 3.0 slab avalanches yesterday as well as several size 2.0 to 2.5 slab avalanches within the highway corridor. Backcountry observations have been limited but riders can expect to see lots of evidence of recent natural activity.
Confidence
Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain
Problems
Storm Slabs
Storm Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer (a slab) of new snow that breaks within new snow or on the old snow surface. Storm-slabs typically last between a few hours and few days (following snowfall). Storm-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.
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.