A persistent slab problem requires diligence and a conservative mindset. Be confident the problem doesn't exist before committing to consequential terrain.
A weak layer of faceted grains above a hard melt-freeze crust may be found around 40 to 80 cm deep. This layer continues to produce large avalanches that have the potential to propagate far. The problem is most prevalent on northwest to northeast aspects at treeline and alpine elevations.
We continue to receive reports of persistent slab avalanches, which are releasing on the weak layer described in the Snowpack Summary. The avalanches have typically occurred on northwest to northeast aspects at treeline and alpine terrain. The avalanches have been triggered by riders, naturally, and remotely. Some of the avalanches propagated far, around 200 to 300 m.
Looking forward, it remains possible that persistent slab avalanches could be triggered. Naturally-triggered avalanches may be on the decrease during this cool weather period, but human triggering is possible.
TUESDAY NIGHT: Clear skies with no precipitation, 30 to 40 km/h north wind, alpine temperature -13 C.
WEDNESDAY: Clear skies with no precipitation, 20 to 30 km/h north wind, alpine temperature -12 C.
THURSDAY: Mix of sun and cloud with late afternoon snowfall, trace accumulation, 30 km/h southwest wind, alpine temperature -7 C.
FRIDAY: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 5 cm, 40 to 60 km/h southwest wind, alpine temperature -5 C.
A dusting of snow sits on a surface melt-freeze crust on all aspects below around 1500 m and on sun-exposed slopes into the alpine. Settled dry snow remains on shaded slopes above around 1500 m. Reports suggest that recent strong northerly wind did not form new wind slabs, though extra caution is advised in steep terrain where isolated pockets may have formed.
Around 40 to 80 cm deep, a weak layer of sugary faceted grains may be found above a melt-freeze crust that formed in February. This layer has produced numerous human-triggered and natural avalanches over the past week. Activity has been most prevalent on northeast to northwest aspects at treeline and alpine elevations. Check out this forecaster blog for more info.
There are no deeper concerns at this time.
