Use caution in areas exposed to wind and near ridgetop where wind slabs are most prevalent.
Temperatures are still uncomfortably cold in the shade so be prepared for unexpected delays with extra layers and calories.
Pockets of wind slab are faceting with the cold temperatures but there are reports of cracking & whumping within the surface wind slab. Skier accidental in avalanche summary. Use caution near ridgetop and exposed alpine terrain. Variable wind direction means you might find wind slab on any aspect
20-50cms of snow overlays a buried persistent 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 on top of this layer.
Field teams and MIN reports have observed some whumping and cracking of the surface wind slab. There were also a few size 1 dry loose natural avalanches in steep unsupported terrain.
Monday- Size 1 skier accidental wind slab on 8812 peak occurred on a east aspect at approx 2600m. This was not witnessed and no MIN report was submitted.
Neighboring operations, particularly to the west, are still reporting rider & remote triggered avalanches on the Jan 30th layer.
Isolated pockets of wind slab are lingering near ridgetop and in exposed terrain. Areas sheltered from the wind are faceted providing good quality skiing.
A weak layer of surface hoar, facets and/or suncrust (Jan 30th drought layer) is 30-50cm down from the snow surface.
The Jan 7th layer is down 50-80cm, and is comprised of surface hoar in sheltered areas and/or a thin crust on steep S aspects.
The arctic blocking pattern is starting to break down bringing a slight warming trend by the end of the week.
Tonight Clear periods. Alpine temperature low -20°C. Ridge wind N 10-30km/hr.
Wed Mix of sun and cloud. Alpine high -17°C. Wind SW 10m/h.
Thurs Mix of sun and cloud. Alpine high -10°C! Wind SE 10 km/hr.
Friday Cloudy with sunny periods. Alpine high -10 °C. Light ridge wind.
