Use caution around large open slopes. Buried surface hoar is lurking in the snowpack and can be hard to detect.
Wind slabs have been reported on many aspects over the past week. Expect the most reactive slabs in immediate lee terrain, such as just below ridgetops.
Several surface hoar layers are buried 60 to 100 cm deep across the region. Their spatial distribution and reactivity are uncertain, so use extra caution on large, steep slopes.
Several natural and human-triggered wind slabs occurred during last week’s storms (see photos), but no new avalanches were reported over the weekend. No persistent slab avalanches have been reported in the past week, leaving uncertainty about this problem.
Variable winds have created mixed conditions. Open areas are heavily wind affected, while sheltered terrain still holds soft powder.
A Dec 14 rain crust is buried up to about 1400 m, and a widespread November surface hoar layer lies 60 to 100 cm deep in sheltered treeline areas. While no recent avalanches have involved this layer, some snowpack tests results have been concerning.
Tuesday Night
Mostly cloudy. 0 to 1 cm of snow. 40 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -16 °C.
Wednesday
Mix of sun and clouds. 0 to 1 cm of snow. 40 km/h east ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -14 °C.
Thursday
Mostly sunny. 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -15 °C.
Friday
Mix of sun and clouds. 0 to 1 cm of snow. 20 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -18 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
