Slab avalanches remain possible on slopes with denser cohesive surface snow, such as in wind or sun-affected areas.
Weak layers, 20 to 50 cm deep, remain a concern in areas where there is an overlying cohesive slab. This is most likely in wind-loaded areas or on sun-exposed slopes.
A few small, (size 1 to 1.5) skier-triggered slab avalanches were reported across the region over the last few days. These avalanches occurred on various aspects and elevations, primarily failing on crusts in south-facing terrain or facets/surface hoar in north-facing terrain. The slabs occurred at depths ranging from 20 to 40 cm.
Additional reports were of small loose dry avalanches in steep terrain where the upper snowpack remains loose and unconsolidated.
The southernmost parts of the region received up to 15 cm of recent snow, while elsewhere saw cold and dry conditions persist. Surfaces have been variably wind-affected in exposed areas at treeline and above. A thin sun crust may be found on steep sun-exposed slopes. In wind-sheltered terrain, the upper snowpack remains generally soft and faceted, with new surface hoar growth reported in some areas. Various persistent weak layers formed at the end of January are buried 20 to 50 cm. These include crust on sun-exposed slopes, surface hoar in shaded, sheltered terrain, and weak faceted grains. The mid and lower snowpack is generally well-settled and strong.
Tuesday Night
Clear. 20 to 30 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -15°C.
Wednesday
Mostly cloudy with 0 to 2 cm of snow. 40 to 50 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.
Thursday
Cloudy with 0 to 2 cm of snow. 20 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.
Friday
Cloudy with 0 to 5 cm of snow. 30 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
