With stormy weather coming to an end, the recent snow will need time to bond and gain strength. Human-triggered avalanches may still be possible.
A crust with surface hoar or facets, buried on January 26, persists in the upper snowpack. While triggering this layer is becoming less likely, small wind slabs could step down to it, producing large avalanches.
New snow continues to accumulate atop a widespread crust. Slab avalanches will be most reactive at higher elevations in wind-affected areas.
Recent observations have been limited, especially in alpine terrain, but natural avalanche activity is suspected during periods of rapid loading, primarily driven by wind transport.
Be sure to post your observations to the MIN if you get out!
Since last weekend, approximately 20 to 50 cm of snow has accumulated along with southerly winds, burying a widespread crust. This crust is generally stronger and more supportive at treeline and above, while it is weaker or absent below treeline, where moist snow persists beneath the new snow.
A January 26 crust with surface hoar or faceted snow lies 60 to 120 cm deep, likely persisting only at higher elevations. At lower elevations, it has been rain-soaked and destroyed.
Otherwise, the snowpack is generally well settled and well bonded, with no other significant concerns.
Thursday Night
Mostly cloudy. 5 to 10 cm of snow. 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.
Friday
Mostly cloudy. 2 to 5 cm of snow. 10 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.
Saturday
Mostly sunny. 20 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.
Sunday
Mostly cloudy. Trace amounts of snow. 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
