Continuously assess the bond between the recent storm snow and the underlying layers
Reports indicate that the new snow is not bonding well to the old surfaces
The recent storm snow is not bonding well to the underlying weak layers. This problem is most prevelant at treeline and above in wind loaded features.
Numerous size 1 skier triggered storm and wind slab avalanches were reported over the weekend. These avalanches were typically at treeline or above on north and east aspects. Reports indicate that the recent storm snow is not bonding well to the underlying weak layers as these avalanches were easy to trigger.
15 to 25 cm of new snow has fallen with southerly wind, forming wind slab on northerly aspects. In sheltered terrain this new snow may overlie soft, faceted snow or surface hoar. In exposed terrain it will overlie a sun crust or wind-affected snow.
At lower elevations a new crust could be on or near the surface.
A late-January weak layer (hard crust, facets, or surface hoar) is buried 80 to 120 cm deep, it is not currently a concern.
The lower snowpack is strong and bonded.
Monday Night
Mostly cloudy with trace amounts of snow possible. 10 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C.
Tuesday
Cloudy with 0 to 1 cm of snow in the afternoon. 10 to 25 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C.
Wednesday
Cloudy with 15 to 40 mm of mixed precipitation. 30 to 50 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Freezing level rising to 1400 m.
Thursday
Mostly cloudy with up to 5 mm of mixed precipitation. 10 to 25 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
