There is a lot of uncertainty with the reactivity of deeply buried weak layers. Conditions like this are best managed by sticking to lower-angle terrain away from any overhead hazard.
Read more in the latest Forecaster Blog.
Recent north and easterly winds have redistributed recent snow and pressed surfaces. Expected continued transport and new slabs where wind impacts loose snow.
A layer of large and weak facets sits near the base of the snowpack. This layer has been most reactive in upper treeline/lower alpine elevations. Riders are most likely to trigger an avalanche on this layer in steep, shallow previously undisturbed terrain, or by first triggering a layer further up in the snowpack.
No new avalanches were reported in the past few days in the region, however observations are limited.
Looking forward, wind slabs will continue to form but concern for step-down and large natural and human-triggered deep persistent slab avalanches is at the forefront of our minds. Check out this video on incremental loading to learn more.
If you are out in the backcountry please consider filling out a Mountain Information Network report.
Northerly winds have impacted 10-30 cm recent snow at upper elevations. Previous warm temperatures and precipitation have left a crust below recent snow at lower treeline elevations and on steep solar aspects.
Snowpack depths are shallower than average, and several buried weak layers have been a concern over the past few weeks. Surface hoar or crust layers in the mid-snowpack may exist in this region.
The most concerning layer in this area is at the base of the snowpack. Large, weak facets buried in November are widespread. This layer is most likely problematic in steep, rocky alpine terrain, where shallower wind slab avalanches can scrub down to these basal facets.
Saturday night
Clear and with gusty ridgetop winds. Ridge wind northwest 15-30 km/hr. Alpine temperature -25 C.
Sunday
Sunny in the morning with increasing clouds throughout the day. Ridge wind northwest 20-40 km/hr. Alpine temperature -18 C.
MondayIncreasing cloud. Ridge wind west 30-50 km/hr. Alpine temperature rising to -12 C.
TuesdayFlurries, 5 cm. Ridge wind west 30-40 km/hr. Alpine temperatures -14 C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
