Persistent slabs are the main concern.
Riders may be able to trigger large slab avalanches from rocky, wind-affected areas.
Recent snowfall and wind have formed wind slabs in lee and cross-loaded areas. These slabs may remain sensitive to human triggering on steep, convex and unsupported slopes.
In the mid-snowpack, buried surface hoar or facets may pose a risk on north-facing slopes, while a buried sun crust could be reactive in south-facing areas. In shallow snowpack areas, facets at the base of the snowpack are generally weak.
On Saturday, explosive control produced wind slab avalanches (size 1.5) in lee alpine terrain near Golden.
On Friday, numerous natural slabs (up to size 2) and loose dry avalanches were reported throughout the region from steep alpine and treeline terrain.
If you head out in the backcountry, let us know what you are seeing by submitting a MIN report!
15 to 30 cm of recent snow exists in sheltered areas. Southwest wind has redistributed this new snow, forming deeper deposits on leeward slopes at higher elevations.
A weak layer buried in early December is now about 40 to 90 cm below the surface. This layer varies, of weak surface hoar or facetted crystals on shaded slopes and a sun crust with facets on south-facing slopes. Professionals are still concerned about the potential instability of this layer.
The base of the snowpack is made up of a thick crust and facets in many areas.
Sunday Night
Mostly cloudy with up to 5 cm of new snow. 10 to 20 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.
Monday
A mix of sun and cloud, with isolated flurries. 10 to 20 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.
Tuesday
A mix of sun and cloud, with isolated flurries. 10 to 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -12 °C.
Wednesday
A mix of sun and cloud, with isolated flurries. 20 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -14 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
