Very little is changing in the snowpack, which unfortunately requires a disciplined approach. Despite the MODERATE hazard rating, conservative terrain selection is still critical due to the deeply buried weak layers.
If triggered the persistent slab is very likely to step down to the deeper instability and involve the entire winter's snowpack. Pay close attention at treeline where this layer is more commonly found.
Snowpack tests continue to indicate that human triggering of the deeper weak layers is a real possibility. Shallow rocky areas are particularly susceptible.
No new observed or reported today.
A very thin crust exists just below the snow surface, but thankfully this crust disappears above 2000m. A buried layer of surface hoar down 15 to 30cm at tree line is tightening up but still producing shears. The main concern in the snowpack is the persistent moderate shears failing down 70 to 80cm in the mid-November facets. The lower half of the snowpack remains very weak, and any avalanche initiated in the upper snowpack will likely step down to the lower weaknesses. Thin and rocky areas are of particular concern for triggering the deeper weak layers. Below 2100m the snowpack does not support the weight of a skier if you leave an established skin track.
Mostly cloudy with light flurries, high temperature of -8c. Winds are expected to be moderate from the NW.
WednesdayAlso cloudy with light flurries. Temperature will climb to -6 in the alpine and winds will be moderate from the NW.
ThursdayThursday or Friday might be a transition day. There is a little glimmer of snow in the forecast for Friday but this is likely to arrive with the polar vortex. By the way, that means it might be really cold.....
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
