Likelihood of triggering deep persistent layers may be decreasing, however, they remain a primary concern. Specifically in shallow, variable, rocky terrain.
Human triggering of deep weak layers remains possible in terrain with shallow, variable snowpacks. Where supportive to riders, a melt-freeze crust may be providing a bridging effect, making it more difficult to trigger deeper layers.
Several natural storm slab avalanches were reported throughout the lizard range on Monday. Generally occurring above 1900 m on northerly terrain. Size range from 1 to 2.
Please continue to share any observations or photos on the Mountain Information Network.
The upper snowpack continues to settle and stabilize. A widespread melt-freeze crust is buried by roughly 40 to 80 cm. The crust ranges in thickness from 1 cm at higher elevations to 20 cm thick at lower elevations. The mid-snowpack is generally well consolidated below the crust. A weak layer of large facets and a crust persists down 70 to 150 cm from the surface. The snow below the crust is generally weak and unconsolidated.
Treeline snow depths are roughly 150 to 200 cm.
Wednesday night
Cloudy with isolated flurries, and trace snow. Light to moderate southwest ridgetop winds. Treeline temperatures -5 to -10 C.
Thursday
Mostly cloudy with flurries, and trace snow. Light to moderate southwest ridgetop winds. Treeline temperature -0 to -5 C.
Friday
Cloudy with light snow, 0 to 5 cm. Moderate southwest ridgetop winds. Treeline temperatures around 0 C. Freezing levels 2100 m.
Saturday
Cloudy with snow, 2 to 10 cm. Moderate southwest ridgetop winds. Treeline temperatures around 0 C. Freezing levels 1700 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
