Uncertainty remains around the reactivity of deeper weak layers.
Continue to avoid rocky, shallow areas where triggering is possible.
Recent snowfall and wind have formed wind slabs in lee and cross-loaded areas. These slabs may remain sensitive to human triggering on steep, convex and unsupported slopes.
In the mid-snowpack, buried surface hoar or facets may pose a risk on north-facing slopes, while a buried sun crust could be reactive in south-facing areas. In shallow snowpack areas, facets at the base of the snowpack are generally weak.
No new natural avalanche was reported.
A rider accidentally triggered a small avalanche from a shallow alpine slope on Repeater Peak near Golden, getting carried through cliff features and a gully. The failure plane is suspected to be the persistent weak layer down 60 cm. Read the MIN report here.
In sheltered areas, 15 to 30 cm of settling snow can be found. The previous southwest wind has redistributed this snow, forming deeper deposits on leeward slopes at higher elevations. Surface snow consists of surface hoar crystals and facets on northerly slopes and a thin sun crust on southerly slopes.
A weak layer buried in early December is now about 40 to 90 cm below the surface. This layer varies between weak surface hoar or facetted crystals on shaded slopes and a sun crust with facets on south-facing slopes. Professionals are still concerned about its potential instability.
The base of the snowpack is made of a thick crust and facets in many areas.
Tuesday Night
Partly cloudy, with isolated flurries. 10 to 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -12 °C.
Wednesday
Partly cloudy, with isolated flurries. 10 to 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -14 °C.
Thursday
Partly cloudy, with isolated flurries. 20 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -14 °C.
Friday
Partly cloudy, with isolated flurries. 20 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
