Reactive slabs persist after recent stormy weather. Give the snowpack time to stabilize before committing to bigger slopes.
Up to 60 cm of recent snow (deeper in wind-loaded terrain) now overlies a widespread crust. Recent southwest winds have created highly variable snow distribution, with the most reactive and largest slabs expected in wind-loaded areas.
A few small (size 1) storm slab avalanches were skier-triggered on Wednesday in steep, alpine terrain features.
On Monday, riders triggered a large wind slab that likely ran on the recently formed crust, near Bralone. Check the MIN report for details.
If you head out, please consider posting your observations to the Mountain Information Network.
Approximately 30 to 60 cm of recent storm snow has been redistributed by strong to extreme winds in exposed terrain at higher elevations.
A widespread crust below 2300 m, formed during last weekend’s rain event, now sits beneath the recent snow. At higher elevations, the new snow overlies a generally settled and well-consolidated upper snowpack.
A crust with facets is buried roughly 40 to 100 cm below the surface. Although this layer has not produced recent avalanche activity, it continues to be monitored as additional snow accumulates above it.
The remainder of the snowpack is generally strong and well-bonded.
Thursday Night
Partly cloudy. 5 cm of snow. 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -11 °C.
Friday
Mostly sunny. 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -11 °C.
Saturday
Mostly sunny. 1 cm of snow. 20 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -11 °C.
Sunday
Mix of sun and clouds. 1 to 2 cm of snow. 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
