Wind slabs are building with the moderate Easterly winds. These slabs are poorly bonded to the variety of surfaces they sit upon.
It might be time to choose more conservative objectives, with slabs sitting upon weak surface hoar/facets or a suncrust. Check out the forecasters blog "Shifting your Mindset"
Windborne snow is accumulating on top of a widespread weak layer. Expect these slabs to be more reactive with increased winds and loading, especially as the slab becomes stiffer and more cohesive.
Natural avalanche activity has slowed down but several human-triggered avalanches were reported/witnessed today.
A sz 2 wind slab was triggered by a skier part way down Forever Young, resulting in injuries.
A sz 1.5 wind slab on the Ravens was observed while flying to the above accident.
Neighboring operations report that the Jan 7th/9th surface hoar is starting to become reactive as well but we have not seen activity on this layer in the park yet.
A surface slab of varying density can be found in most locations throughout the park producing easy & very easy results in snowpack testing. These slabs are 20-40cms thick and bury a weak layer of surface hoar, and/or sun crusts (on steep solar aspects).
Below this interface are firm, wind pressed surfaces in exposed areas and low density sugary snow in sheltered areas.
The Jan 7th layer is down 50-80cm, comprised of surface hoar and/or a thin crust on steep S aspects.
Arctic air pushes into the region, bringing cold temps and valley-bottom outflow winds.
Tonight Clear periods. Alpine low -22°C. Ridge wind E-30km/h.
Tues A mix of sun & cloud. Alpine high -18°C. Ridge wind E-20km/h. Alpine temperature inversion, with even colder temps in the valley.
Wed A mix of sun & cloud. Alpine high -17°C. Ridge wind W-20km/h.
Thurs A mix of sun & cloud. Alpine high -17°C. Ridge wind W-20km/h.
