A deep persistent slab problem remains where the near-surface crust is thin or absent.
Low-probability, high-consequence problems are best managed with conservative terrain choices.
Wind slabs are starting to bond, or are getting softer and less reactive due to near-surface faceting. It is still possible for the weight of a human to trigger a small wind slab avalanche.
A weak layer near the base of the snowpack is a concern where a thick, strong, near-surface crust does not exist. This could be at higher elevations in the alpine and in steep, rocky, open features at treeline,
On Saturday, southeast of Golden, a small (size 1.5) deep persistent slab avalanche was reported in steep alpine terrain on a northeast aspect. It may have been triggered by a falling cornice. Facets deep in the snowpack continue to be a low-probability, high-consequence problem.
Over the weekend, several small (up to size 1.5) wind slab and loose avalanches were reported in steep alpine terrain, some triggered by humans, and some by the sun.
Variable wind has created wind slabs on all aspects in alpine and open treeline terrain. Thin sun crusts have formed on steep slopes that face the sun.
In sheltered areas, 10 to 30 cm of settling snow sits over a frozen crust that formed in early February. This crust is generally supportive to the weight of a human below treeline, becomes breakable around treeline, and disappears as you ascend higher into the alpine.
The midpack is generally faceted.
The bottom 15-30 cm of the snowpack consists of weak faceted grains, depth hoar, and crusts that continue to produce sporadic, large avalanches.
Monday Night
Mostly cloudy. A trace of new snow is expected. Light southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline around -4 °C. Freezing level 1000 m.
Tuesday
Mostly cloudy. 1 to 2 cm of snow is expected. Southwest ridgetop wind 30 to 50 km/h. Treeline high around -3 °C. Freezing level rising to 1200 m.
Wednesday
Partly cloudy. 0-1 cm of new snow is expected. Light southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around -2 °C. Freezing level rising to 1500 m.
Thursday
Mostly cloudy. No new snow expected. Light southwest ridgetop wind . Treeline temperature around -2 °C. Freezing level rising to 1500 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
