Provo

Avalanche problems

• 

  Wind Slabs

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Alpine
  • Treeline
  • Below treeline

  Likelihood

  Likely

  Size

  2

  The winds remain merciless. Hard and soft slabs of wind drifted snow litter the steep terrain, although they are more stubborn and sluggish than late weekend into Monday. Many of these wind slabs, however, do rest upon a layer of weak recrystallized snow (last week's snow surface) and remain prone to triggering. It may be possible for any new wind slab to step down into weak faceted grains near the ground, particular in areas that avalanched previously this winter.

  Cornices are becoming unruly along the ridgelines - remember to give these growing monsters a wide berth.

• 

  Persistent Slabs

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Alpine
  • Treeline
  • Below treeline

  Likelihood

  Possible

  Size

  3

  There are two buried persistent weak layers (PWL) in the snowpack:

  • The upper layer formed during last week’s cold, clear weather and many wind slabs are failing at this layer.

  • The lower layer, near the ground, formed in December and has caused large avalanches, including two fatalities during the Holiday Avalanche Cycle. This layer is most likely to be triggered on steep, thin snowpack areas, rocky gullies, and repeater slopes (areas that have previously avalanched). Avalanches up to 1–3+ feet deep possible.

• 

  Loose Wet

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Alpine
  • Treeline
  • Below treeline

  Likelihood

  Likely

  Size

  2

  The record warmth is wreaking havoc on an poorly structured snowpack. You can see the last decent refreeze was near the beginning of the month. Wet loose and wet slab avalanches are still likely today, despite the slightly cooler temps. I view the shady aspects to be most prone...and debris piles will be enough to catch, carry, and bury you.