Triggering an avalanche is most likely in shallow, rocky and wind-affected areas where the snowpack transitions from thick to thin.
Wind slabs could still linger in the alpine. If triggered, wind slabs may step down to deeper layers, causing larger avalanches.
A faceted lower snowpack presents a persistent slab problem. This problem may be triggered by cornice fall or the weight of a rider in shallow snowpack areas or on features where the snowpack transitions from thick to thin.
Over the past few days, there has been evidence of natural activity, including;
large cornice falls,
wind slabs size 1-2 on a variety of aspects,
loose wet size 1-1.5 on south through west aspects.
On Thursday, a solar-triggered wind slab was observed on a south-facing alpine slope that stepped down to a persistent weak layer, resulting in a size 2 avalanche.
Surface hoar is developing with the recent cold, clear weather. Previous strong winds have created hard, pressed surfaces, wind slab, and sustrugi in exposed terrain. That being said, we’ve received reports of good riding on faceted northeast-facing slopes and sheltered terrain at lower elevations. A sun crust exists on or near the surface on sun-exposed slopes.
The lower snowpack is faceted and generally weak, particularly in shallow areas.
Thursday Night
Partly cloudy. 10 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -9 °C.
Friday
Mostly cloudy. 30 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.
Saturday
Mostly cloudy. 1 to 2 cm of snow. 30 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.
Sunday
Mix of sun and clouds. 2 cm of snow. 20 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
