Please don't get complacent on your search for fresh tracks. The persistent slab problem is worth considering when pushing into bigger objectives.
A record low snowpack makes for rugged travel below treeline.
Winds have redistributed snow in the Alpine and on lee features at treeline. Expect to find it most reactive at ridge top and in lee or cross-loaded features.
A weak layer of surface hoar down 50-100 cm is slowly gaining strength. Most likely areas to trigger this problem are in shallow or variable depth snowpacks and unsupported alpine terrain. Use caution in terrain that has not previously avalanched.
A team triggered several explosive controlled avalanches in steep north facing terrain at treeline on Wed. Avalanches were small and triggered soft wind slabs up to 40cm deep.
No new natural avalanches have been observed since Dec 23rd.
A human-triggered avalanche occurred on Video peak Saturday afternoon involving a group of 3, no injuries reported.
Recently significant human-triggered avalanches failing on the Dec 1st surface hoar layer: Balu Pk & Ursus Minor.
Expect wind slabs in the alpine and lee features at treeline from recent moderate winds.
Below 1800m 10-15cm of snow sits on breakable crust from recent warm temps.
Below 2100 m there is a supportive rain crust down 40-60cm.
The Dec 1 surface hoar is down 60-100cm. This layer is gaining strength, but this problem persists with accidental rider triggered avalanches still ocurring.
In shallow areas, the base of the snowpack is faceted and unsupportive.
A ridge of high pressure continues to block any significant snowfall from reaching our region through Sunday. Freezing levels remain elevated.
Tonight: Cloudy. Alp Low -3 °C. Light S ridgetop winds.
Fri: Cloudy/sunny periods. High 0 °C. Freezing level (Fzl) 1500m. Light S wind.
Sat: Cloudy/sunny periods. High 2°C, High 0 °C. Fzl 2100m. Light S winds.
Sun: Flurries. Light snow, High 0°C. Fzl 1700m. Light W winds.
