Use caution in treeline and alpine areas sheltered from the wind, as a preserved weak layer may remain reactive.
A weak layer of surface hoar/facets or a crust exists 20 to 35 cm down. This layer may be reactive to human-triggering where a slab has developed above it. Watch for signs of instability: whumphing, shooting cracks and recent avalanches.
The last reports of avalanches were last weekend (Jan 2) when a few small natural and human-triggered dry loose avalanches were reported in steep northeast-facing terrain. See this great MIN for details!
Watch for sluffing in steep terrain and minimize your exposure to overhead hazards wherever possible.
25 to 50 cm of storm snow from last week is beginning to facet. Deeper deposits can be found on north and east slopes in wind-loaded areas. This storm snow has not bonded well to the old snow surfaces, which includes melt-freeze crusts on sun-exposed slopes, large surface hoar or facets on shaded slopes, and wind-affected snow in exposed terrain at ridgelines.
A weak layer of surface hoar or facets is buried, 20 to 35 cm deep. This layer is most likely to be preserved in areas sheltered from the wind at treeline elevations.
The lower snowpack is strong and bonded. Treeline snow depths average 150 to 200 cm.
Sunday night
Starry skies and few clouds. 10 to 25 km/h variable ridgetop wind. Treeline low temperature -21 °C.
Monday
Sunny with clouds. 10 to 15 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -16 °C.
Tuesday
Mostly sunny. 20 to 40 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -18 °C.
Wednesday
Mostly sunny. 10 to 20 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -16 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
