New snow is forming reactive storm slabs.
If you notice signs of instability, such as shooting cracks in the new snow, retreat to non-avalanche terrain.
A crust with surface hoar or facets, buried on January 26, persists in the upper snowpack. While triggering this layer is becoming less likely, small wind slabs could step down to it, producing large avalanches.
New snow continues to accumulate on top of a widespread crust. Slab avalanches will be most reactive at higher elevations in wind-affected areas.
On Friday and Saturday, numerous natural avalanches up to size 2.5 were observed throughout the region. Many of the observed avalanches are suspected to have occurred during the storm on Feb 10th and 11th.
Be sure to post your observations to the MIN if you get out!
15-30 cm of storm snow fell on Monday. This new snow is now burying a layer of surface hoar that formed on February 15th. Below this, the February 6th crust is now at a depth of 50-100 cm. This crust is generally stronger and more supportive at treeline and above, while it is weaker or absent below treeline, where moist snow persists beneath the new snow.
A January 26 crust with surface hoar or faceted snow lies 60 to 120 cm deep, likely persisting only at higher elevations. At lower elevations, it has been rain-soaked and destroyed.
Otherwise, the snowpack is generally well settled and well bonded, with no other significant concerns.
Monday Night
Partly cloudy. 1 to 2 cm of snow. 50 km/h east ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -11 °C.
Tuesday
Sunny. 30 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -16 °C.
Wednesday
Sunny. 40 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -19 °C.
Thursday
Sunny. 30 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -14 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
