Some lingering surface instabilities are the main concern in the snowpack. Take note of any surface slabs underfoot and take the time to dig down before committing to any consequential terrain.
Keep posting those MINs! We read every one of them.
Wind slabs may persist on steep lee alpine aspects correlating to previous west winds and the widespread wind effect evident treeline and above. New snow came with moderate to strong south through west winds that have likely contributed to the problem.
A 10-30 cm slab over crusts and/or a surface hoar layer from Jan 24th is a problem that could catch users off guard in isolated locations just above, or just below treeline. Check the snowpack often: monitor the character and behaviour of the slab above this weak layer closely.
No new avalanches observed on Monday.
Up to 15 cm of snow fell over the weekend. This was redistributed by moderate to strong winds, forming surface slabs at upper elevations.
Below this:
Recent warm temperatures produced crusts on solar aspects to treeline and on steep solar alpine terrain.
North aspects remained mostly dry and cool.
Down 15–30 cm, the Jan 24 interface consists of surface hoar and a crust.
Below this interface, the snowpack is generally strong and well settled.
We are expecting little change in the weather over the next few days. On Tuesday, we can expect a mix of sun and cloud, with a possible trace amount of precipitation. Freezing levels will climb to around 1,700 m during the daytime and recover overnight. Ridge-top winds will range from moderate to strong from the west.t.
