You may encounter a diverse range of conditions today, dependent on elevation, aspect and time of day. These changing conditions may influence the reactivity of a buried weak layer.
At 50 to 80 cm deep, a weak layer of surface hoar is at prime depth for rider triggers to produce large avalanches. It can be most likely triggered on steep roll-overs in wind-sheltered terrain around treeline.
Recent snow is likely to be most reactive
in wind-loaded leeward terrain features at upper elevations
lower elevations where new snow is warming above 0 for the first time
Observations have been limited. The only avalanche reported was a small cornice-triggered wind slab from earlier this week. Curiously, we have not seen any larger persistent slab avalanches on the buried surface hoar which has us scratching our heads 🤔
If you are getting out in the backcountry, consider sharing your observations on the Mountain Information Network (MIN)!
New snow continues to accumulate and redistribute with wind.
In wind-sheltered areas around treeline, a couple of weak layers of feathery surface hoar crystals are buried 50 to 80 cm deep. This layer has been reactive in snowpack tests this week, but so far we've seen no avalanche activity on it.
The mid snowpack contains a crust with small facets above it, but does not present a problem at this time.
The snowpack is around 100 to 150 cm deep at treeline, tapering quickly with elevation.
Saturday night
Partly cloudy. 0 to 3 cm of snow. 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.
Sunday
Partly cloudy. 3 to 8 cm of snow. 60 to 70 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline high temperature 0 °C. Freezing level rising to 1400 m.
Monday
Mostly cloudy. 10 to 15 mm of mixed precipitation. 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +1 °C in the morning then cooling. Freezing level 1800 m falling to 1000 m.
Tuesday
Mostly cloudy. 5 to 10 cm of snow. 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C. Freezing level valley bottom.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
