The windslab problem in the alpine has been refreshed by a switch back to moderate southerly winds.
Carefully evaluate wind affected slopes before committing.
A fresh windslab layer is forming today in the alpine due to persistent moderate southerly winds. Use caution in wind affected terrain and be aware that a surface slab could step down to the Jan 30th persistent weak layer.
20-40cms of snow last week is settling over a buried weak layer. This weak layer is consists of surface hoar, facets and/ or a suncrust. It will be most reactive where there is a settled cohesive slab over top.
Natural avalanche activity has eased, however human triggering remains possible.
Neighboring operations are reporting rider & remote triggered avalanches on the Jan 30th layer.
A sz 2 wind slab was triggered by a skier part way down Forever Young Feb 3rd, resulting in injuries.
A sz 1.5 wind slab on the Ravens was observed while flying to the above accident.
Moderate southerly winds today are creating a fresh windslab in the alpine. Variable winds this past week had caused widespread wind effect, which is starting to facet out (become soft and sugary)
Last week, 40cm of storm snow buried a weak layer of surface hoar, facets and/or suncrust (Jan 30th drought layer).
The Jan 7th layer is down 50-80cm, comprised of surface hoar in sheltered areas and/or a thin crust on steep S aspects.
The basal snowpack is dense and strong.
A few flurries will linger on Sunday. The arctic ridge will rebuild Sunday night and remain strong into the foreseeable future.
Tonight Clear with cloudy periods. Alpine low -21°C. Ridge wind West 15km/hr.
Sun Cloud & sun with isolated flurries. Alp high -19°C. NW wind 15-25km/hr.
Mon Sunny. Alpine high -19°C. Light NE winds.
Tues Mix of sun and cloud. Alpine high -17°C. NW wind 15-25km/h.
