30-40cm of low-density storm snow is making for some quality skiing and riding!
Don't let the powdery conditions obscure your avalanche awareness. Storm slabs are still present at higher elevations in exposed terrain features.
The Nov 17 surface hoar is down 50-80cm and most prevalent around tree line. The surface hoar continues to give 'sudden' results in snowpack tests.
Approximately 35cm of dry, low-density storm snow sits on the Dec 5th layer (surface facets and surface hoar). Expect fast sluffing in steep, confined terrain, potentially digging deeper into the facets and accumulating enough mass to bury a person.
30-40cm of low-density new snow accompanied by moderate to strong SW winds built fresh storm slabs in exposed start zones at higher elevations. Storm slabs were most reactive on Northerly aspects in the Alpine. The storm snow overlies the Dec 5th layer which consists of facets and surface hoar.
A small natural avalanche cycle occurred yesterday in very steep, predominantly north-facing terrain in the Alpine. Cheops North 4 was directly observed (size 2, storm slab) stopping just short of the creek. Mt MacDonald had several size 1.5-2 storm slabs in the Highway Corridor, stopping begin fan.
30-40cm of new low-density storm snow buries the Dec 5th layer consisting of surface hoar and facets. Low-density storm slabs will likely be found in steep exposed start zones in the Alpine. The Nov 17th Surface Hoar is now buried 50-80cm below the surface and may become more reactive with the additional load.
Thursday we are expecting another 5cm of new snow, bringing the storm snow total to ~45cm. Winds should be light to moderate from the SW, and temperatures are gradually increasing. Friday and into the weekend, we are expecting flurries, cool temps, and light winds.
