Wind slabs at upper elevations may remain sensitive to human triggering Sunday. The next storm is forecast to trickle in late in the day.
Previous southwest winds have transported recent snow into lee and cross-loaded terrain features at upper elevations. Wind slabs may remain sensitive to human triggering on Sunday.
Saturday night: Clear, light southwest wind, freezing level 1000 m.
Sunday: Increasing cloud with afternoon flurries bringing up to 5 cm, moderate southwest wind, freezing level 1200 m.
Monday: 20-30 cm new snow overnight, moderate to strong southwest wind easing through the day, freezing level 1000 m.
Tuesday: Clear, light southwest wind, freezing level 1000 m.
Explosive control work before the weekend produced wind slab avalanches up to size 1.5.
Our eyes and ears in the mountains are limited at this time of year and may continue this winter due to fewer professional observations. If you see anything while out in the field (or don't), please consider sharing via the Mountain Information Network (MIN). Photos are especially helpful. A big thank you to those that have already shared their observations thus far.
Previous southwest winds have formed wind slabs in lee and cross-loaded terrain features at higher elevations.
The snowpack depth varies substantially with elevation. Below treeline 30 to 70 cm, 80 to 100 cm near treeline, and around 150 cm may be found in the alpine.
The mid to lower snowpack contains a series of crusts, the most notable of which is also the deepest, sitting 30 cm above the ground at elevations above 1500 m. This crust may have a thin overlying layer of weak faceted grains and/or surface hoar crystals, especially in sheltered areas around treeline. There is uncertainty as to whether these layer will be a concern going forward.
