The danger rating reflects forecast snowfall amounts near Golden. For most of the region, where less than 5 cm of new snow falls, avalanche danger will remain LOW at all elevations.
Even with 15 cm of new snow over the day, slabs of concern will be specific to wind loaded pockets in lee terrain features at upper elevations.
You may see some loose dry sluffing under your skis in steep terrain.
A crust sits near the base of the snowpack.
On the one hand, there hasn't been any associated avalanche activity in weeks.
On the other hand, it's surrounded by weak crystals and still producing hard results in snowpack tests.
Although we don't think it presents an avalanche problem under the current conditions, we're reluctant to throw it out altogether, especially with new snow on the horizon. If it were to rear its head, it would most likely be in shallow, rocky areas in the alpine.
Monday night: Up to 10 cm new snow in the north of the region, flurries elsewhere. Light to moderate southwest wind, freezing level 700 m.
Tuesday: Up to 5 cm new snow in the north and west border, flurries elsewhere. Light to moderate southwest wind, freezing level 1000 m.
Wednesday: Up to 5 cm new snow, light west wind, freezing level 1000 m.
Thursday: Flurries, light west wind, freezing level 700 m.
Results from explosive work were limited to size 1 loose dry out of rocky terrain Sunday.
Small loose dry sluffing may be observed in the new snow Tuesday. Storm slabs may be triggerable in wind loaded lee features at upper elevations.
Our eyes and ears in the mountains are limited this winter due to fewer professional observations. If you go out in the mountains, please share your observations on the Mountain Information Network (MIN). Photos are especially helpful! Thank you so much for all the great MINs submitted so far!
Around 5-15 cm of new snow falls ontop of a melt-freeze crust on south aspects and widespread surface hoar treeline and below. Generally speaking, new snow does not bond well to these types of surfaces.
The lower snowpack is characterized by a couple of crusts, the most notable of which is sitting near the base of the snowpack, likely surrounded by a weak layer of sugary facets. It is most likely to be reactive to human triggers on south facing slopes and in shallow, rocky areas in the alpine.
