We’ve removed the deep persistent problem from the forecast region due to a lack of recent avalanche activity. The layer still exists in the snowpack (see snowpack summary) and could be reintroduced as a problem in the future.
Strong to extreme winds with light flurries on Thursday formed wind slabs 10-30 cm thick in alpine and treeline lees. There is some uncertainty whether this problem is still a concern at treeline elevations.
Minimal natural avalanche activity was observed during a flight across the forecast region on Friday. Avalanche control Friday triggered very few slab avalanches, with no failures on the deep persistent problem. The majority of results were loose dry avalanches, which entrained the faceted snowpack and ran far down the paths.
Recent strong winds and new snow have formed wind slabs on lee slopes in the alpine and at treeline. At treeline, the mid-pack consists of facets over the October crust and depth hoar at the bottom. Snow depths at treeline range from 60-100 cm.
An Arctic air mass has settled over the region, with forecasted low temperatures dropping to -25°C on Saturday night. Clear skies and light to moderate northerly winds are expected on Sunday.
