We are pressed under a cold Arctic airmass with rock bottom temperatures. Consider the risk of prolonged exposure in the event of even a small incident and plan accordingly.
Winds have created a layer of hard windslab in many alpine lee features and moved snow in open areas at treeline. The wind transport has contributed to slab development with potential failure planes in the storm snow, at the Jan 30 facets, sun crusts, and isolated surface hoar.
No avalanches were observed reported today.
25-30cm of settled storm snow from last week has been redistributed by the wind in exposed locations, burying the Jan 30 weak layer. The mid and lower snowpack is well settled, with tree-line snow depths ranging from 120 cm to 180 cm.
Tomorrow's temperatures will remain as cold as today, with only a gradual warming trend through the coming week. The wind will stay light from the North, maintaining the influence of the Arctic air mass. No snow is expected, though some cloud cover may develop in the afternoon.
