Backcountry conditions are good with some of the best travel conditions of the winter right now. However, we remain wary of thin snowpack areas which are weak and despite wishing for low avalanche danger, we continue to be surprised by occasional avalanches failing on the ground in thin snowpack areas.
Winds have been light, but small wind slabs may still exist in leeward areas. Some minor reverse wind effect (NE winds) was noted in alpine areas on Tuesday, but no slab development. No observations have been made above 2800 m.
The persistent weak layers in the mid-pack are down roughly 30 and 50 cm with weak basal facets at the bottom of the snowpack. Sporadic avalanche activity has occurred on these layers and the theme seems to be steep thin snowpack areas in the alpine.
A size 2 and 2.5 skier-triggered deep persistent slab in the Cirque Forepeak area occurred Tuesday showing that the persistent layers can still be triggered in thin snowpack areas.
Sunshine Patrol reported triggering small, lingering windslabs in alpine areas.
10-20 cm of soft, dry snow sits over the Feb 3 crust which exists in most locations (except high north aspects). This crust has helped to stabilize the snowpack, and at this time is not presenting as a weak layer of concern. This will change if this crust deteriorates (facets), the wind picks up or the sun heats the snowpack. Persistent weak layers in the mid and bottom of the snowpack remain a concern and continue to produce avalanches at the ground level in thin snowpack areas.
A ridge of high pressure will dominate the region for the next several days bringing mostly blue skies, temperatures from -10 to -20 and light NE winds. No new snow is expected.
