Strong winds and steady amounts of new snow are refreshing the storm slab problem.
Approach lee and cross-loaded slopes with caution and stick to sheltered spots to find the best snow!
Ongoing snowfall and strong gusty winds will continue to build reactive slabs. These slabs may run farther than expected on a thin crust that formed on Dec 15th. Be especially cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain
It was been another active week of natural and artillery controlled avalanches.
Skiers in the Asulkan drainage had a close call while travelling on ridgeline and triggered a size 2 avalanche.
A widespread cycle of natural avalanches occurred on Tuesday night into Wednesday. These avalanches were up to sz 3.0 and running on a crust bed surface.
Last week's 60-90 cm of storm snow has been redistributed by strong to extreme southerly winds. Beneath this recent storm snow, a thin crust exists up to 2300m. This crust has been solid bed surface for avalanches to run on.
Approximately 140cms of settled snow sits on the November rain crust. A spotty layer of surface hoar is just above the Nov Crust and exists at treeline in sheltered areas.
The active weather pattern continues with steady snowfall and strong winds.
Tonight Flurries, 5 cm. Low -10°C. Winds SW 35 gusting to 65km/hr. Freezing level (FZL): 700m
Mon Mix of sun & cloud. Snow: 1-2cms. Alpine temp: High -8°C. Wind SW 30-45km/hr. FZL 700m
Tues Flurries, 4cm. Alpine temp: High -8°C. Wind SW 30 gusting 70km/h. FZL 900m
Wed Flurries, 11cm. Alpine temp: High -8°C. Wind: East 15-30km/hr. FZL 800m
