Some areas in the southern parts of the region received up to 15cm of new snow on Tuesday. Winds will deposit this fluffy, new snow into wind slabs pretty quickly in lee areas. Continue to be suspicious of old, firm wind slabs especially in high consequence terrain features.
Up to 15cm of low density snow fell in some areas on Monday night. Because this snow is so fluffy, southwesterly winds will blow it into wind slabs on lee aspects fairly quickly.
In steep and confined terrain be aware that loose snow avalanches can get kind of pushy. Sluff management could be necessary.
No new avalanches have been reported since last week.
A natural size 2.5 wind slab avalanche was reported from the Castle area on February 12th. It was believed to be 48-72hrs old and occurred in the immediate leeward side of a large, wind loaded north facing alpine feature.
10-25cm of new, low density powder (the higher amounts are in southern areas) overlies extensive wind effect in the alpine and at tree line. Wind slabs of various ages in lee areas (typically easterly aspects) and scouring in windward areas. A melt-freeze crust can be found below 2100 m. It may be on the surface on windward slopes and buried 30 to 60 cm deep in lee terrain.
The middle of the snowpack is consolidated. Weak faceted grains exist near the base of the snowpack.
The average snowpack depth is 130 cm. Up to 200 cm can be found in wind-loaded areas.
Tuesday night
Mostly clear. Wind from the southwest at 20 km/h. Temperature -10˚C.
Wednesday
Clear. Wind from the southwest 20 km/h gusting to 40 km/h at higher elevations. Temperature -12˚C in the morning rising to -4˚C in the afternoon. Freezing levels as high as 1000 m.
ThursdayMostly clear. Winds from the southwest 20 km/h gusting to 50 km/h. Temperatures between -7˚C and -3˚C with freezing levels rising to 1400 m.
FridayA mix of sun and cloud with potential for flurries delivering 2-4 cm of snow. Winds from the southwest at 25 km/h. Temperature -5˚C with freezing levels around 1200 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
