Hazard has dropped to low at all elevations with a thick melt freeze crust in place effectivley locking up the snowpack. With significantly less than forecasted new snow totals overnight, the main problem today is potentially difficult skiiing atop the variable crust. Watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features.
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There is potential for wind slab to build later in the day on Northerly aspects if wind speeds remain in the moderate range. With temperatures cooling significantly any snow that falls will be light and easy to transport. Developing wind slab will be sitting on top of the firm crust that is in place and may be sensitive to triggering.
Forecasted snowfall totals were less than expected—only about 1 inch was observed at Powder Patch, and winds peaked around noon on 3/7. Overall, the snowpack now features a 3–5 cm melt-freeze crust that is effectively locking up the snow.
Temperatures have dropped 11°F over the past 24 hours, with today’s high reaching 23°F. Blowing winds yesterday transported snow as new snowfall began, with the strongest winds blowing out of the ESE at 59 mph around noon on 3/7. Winds varied in direction and decreased to light to moderate through the evening.
A pit dug just above Eaglecrest Ski Area yesterday showed that the recent rain only wetted the top 20–30 cm of the snowpack. Two ECTs produced the same result: ECTP 17, failing 44 cm down, about 10 cm above the 2/28 freezing rain crust, where a slight density change was observed. This suggests a potential structural weakness within the snowpack; however, with the current surface snow locked up by the crust, triggering the layer of concern below would likely be difficult.
During a short visibility window, observed natural wet slabs on TSA ridge, Fish Creek Knob, Slow Boat, Hogsback and West Bowl (which has been closed). These probably went during, or just after, the rain on snow event on 3/6.
Cold temperatures and snow showers are expected to continue through midweek. With low-density new snow, bonding to the crust may be poor and the snow will be easily transported by wind. Watch for developing storm slabs and wind slabs.
