Thin coverage over rocks and stumps remains a significant hazard. Do not let these conditions push you into areas where persistent slabs can be triggered. The best skiing can be found on supportive, modest-angled slopes near treeline-Merry Christmas!
Weather Forecast
West winds will continue. Expect some sunny periods Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday with 5cm of precipitation expected for Thursday. Temperatures will be warm for the period however Thursday and Friday look to be very warm. Sun or Precipitation during this warm period could have negative effects on both snow stability and ski quality.
Snowpack Summary
10 to 15 cm of snow from the last 72 hours with near freezing temperatures, and significant W winds, have led to the formation of thin and soft storm slabs above the previous wind scoured and hardened surfaces. The sugary Faceted Crystals associated with the November Crusts are buried 50 to 70 cm presenting a weak layer that remains of interest.
Avalanche Summary
One significant wind slab released on the steep wind loaded face above Wall Lake on Saturday.
Confidence
Freezing levels are 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.
Persistent Slabs
Persistent Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) in the middle to upper snowpack, when the bond to an underlying persistent weak layer breaks. Persistent layers include: surface hoar, depth hoar, near-surface facets, or faceted snow. Persistent weak layers can continue to produce avalanches for days, weeks or even months, making them especially dangerous and tricky. As additional snow and wind events build a thicker slab on top of the persistent weak layer, this avalanche problem may develop into a Deep Persistent Slab.