Recent cold temps have facetted/weakened the upper snowpacks bond to the buried suncrust down ~30cm(Jan 30th layer).
This problem can best be managed by avoiding steep open solar slopes, especially if the surface snow has been stiffened by the wind.
20-50cms of snow overlays a buried persistent weak layer. This weak layer is consists of surface hoar, facets and/or a suncrust. It will be most reactive where there is a settled, cohesive slab on top of a crust.
We have observed small (up to size 1) dry loose natural and rider triggered avalanches in steep unsupported terrain this week.
Field teams and MIN reports have observed some whumping and cracking in exposed areas.
Neighbouring operations, particularly to the west, are still reporting rider & remote triggered avalanches on the Jan 30th layer.
Areas sheltered from the wind are faceted with good quality skiing.
A weak layer of surface hoar, facets and/or suncrust (Jan 30th drought layer) is 20-50cm down from the snow surface. Recently, this layer has been showing signs of reactivity in sun exposed terrain, where facets sit on a suncrust.
The Jan 7th layer has not been reactive for a time, but remains down 50-80cm, and is comprised of decomposed surface hoar in sheltered areas and/or a thin crust on steep S aspects.
Slightly warmer weather is forecast through the weekend, with some light flurries Sunday.
Tonight Clear periods. Alpine low -16°C. Ridge winds light from the West.
Saturday Sunny periods. Alpine high -13°C. Light SW wind.
Sunday Cloudy with flurries (up to 12cm). Alpine low -12°C, high -9°C. Light S Wind.
Monday Mix of sun and cloud. Alpine low -14 °C, high -11°C. Light SE Wind.
