Triggering an avalanche is still possible in wind loaded terrain or areas where the snowpack transitions from thin to thick.
Back down from areas if you see signs of instability.
A layer of surface hoar 30 to 55 cm deep buried at the end of January has been most reactive where a slab exists above it.
Friday: Numerous large ( size 2 to 2.5) avalanches were produced during explosives control in the region. in the alpine and at treeline on many aspects. A few small (size 1) naturals continue to be reported on east aspects.
Thursday: Reports of a few rider and remote triggered avalanches (size 1 to 2) on east aspects and north east aspects at all elevations.
Wednesday: West of Creston, explosive avalanche control produced several large slab avalanches (up to size 2.5)
A dusting snow in the region covers 30 to 55 cm of low density snow which is settling over a layer of surface hoar buried at the end of January. In some parts of the region, alpine and treeline wind has formed deeper, denser deposits of snow in leeward terrain, and potentially scoured some windward ridgetops.
The buried surface hoar has been reported to be as large as 20 mm. On shaded slopes it's sitting on 10 to 20 cm of loose, sugary facets, but on sunny slopes it's sitting on a thin, hard crust.
This layer has been the culprit for many natural and human-triggered avalanches this week, and is not expected to break down and bond anytime soon.
The lower snowpack is strong and bonded.
Saturday Night
Partly cloudy with flurries. 10 to 30 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -18 °C.
Sunday
Mostly sunny. 10 to 40 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -12 °C.
Monday
Sunny. 10 to 30 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -13 °C.
Tuesday
Mostly sunny. 10 to 30 km/h north ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -15 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
