Be careful with wind-loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and rollovers.
Wind slabs may not bond well to the underlying weak layer or crust.
New and lingering wind slabs exist in exposed areas. These slabs may remain reactive longer than usual due to the underlying weak layer over a crust.
On Sunday, riders were able to trigger small wind slab avalanches (size 1) on convex northerly terrain at treeline in Dogtooth range around 1800 meters.
Evidence of past natural avalanches is still visible in the region with numerous storm slabs (size 1.5 to 2) released on north to east alpine and treeline slopes.
If you are heading into the backcountry, please share your observations with the Mountain Information Network.
5 to 15 cm of new snow now buries old surfaces, including a sun crust on south to east aspects and wind slabs in open areas. Moderate to strong south and west wind have affected the snow distribution, creating deeper deposits on lee slopes.
The late January surface hoar/crust layer is 15 to 25 cm deep and widespread up to 2100 meters on sheltered treeline and below treeline features. It may not exist on exposed terrain in the alpine.
At 1800 meters and below, the snow surface is moist due to daytime warming. The mid and lower snowpack is well settled.
Monday Night
Mostly cloudy. 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C. Freezing level 1600 m.
Tuesday
Mostly sunny. 50 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level rising to 1800 m.
Wednesday
Mostly sunny. 60 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 2300 m.
Thursday
Mostly sunny. 50 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 3 °C. Freezing level 2900 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
