Dangerous avalanches are most likely where a firm, cohesive slab exists on the surface.
A weak layer buried at the end of January, 20 to 50 cm deep, is most concerning where cohesive slabs have formed above, such as wind slabs or sun-exposed slopes where the solar effect has settled the upper snowpack despite cold temperatures.
Several size 1 skier-triggered avalanches have been reported in recent days. These avalanches have occurred on various aspects and elevations, primarily failing on crusts in south-facing terrain and on facets or surface hoar in north-facing terrain. The failures have occurred at depths ranging from 20 to 40 cm.
Other reports suggest small loose dry avalanches have been reactive in steep terrain where the upper snowpack remains loose and unconsolidated.
The upper snowpack continues to facet with the current cold, clear, and dry conditions, keeping surface conditions generally soft and low-density in areas sheltered from wind and sun. Variable wind effects can be found in exposed terrain at treeline and above.
Various layers buried at the end of January are approximately 20 to 50 cm below the surface. These include sun crusts on sun-affected terrain, surface hoar in shaded terrain at treeline and below, and weak faceted grains elsewhere.
The snowpack remains faceted and weak in places just below these layers following the dry January conditions.
The mid and lower snowpack is generally well-settled and strong.
Wednesday Night
Clear skies. 10 to 20 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -13 °C.
Thursday
Sunny. 10 to 20 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -12 °C.
Friday
Mix of sun and cloud. 0 to 10 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.
Saturday
Mostly sunny. 10 to 20 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -12 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
