This morning is the front end of a strong storm that’s moving through the Panhandle and forecasted to last until late Saturday night. 15-25 inches of new snow is expected to fall at elevations over 4,000 ft. Keep in mind that the new snow is adding weight to the persistent weak layer which is inching closer to a tipping point. If travelling in the backcountry today, be sure to do so with a conservative mindset.
New snow and colder temperatures have created some good powder conditions in the backcountry! Be aware of new snow concerns such as wind loading, new slab formation, and loose snow avalanches. Keep your eyes out for other avalanche activity in the area.
The old snow/new snow interface, in the bottom third of the snowpack is still a layer of primary concern. Test results showed more resistance to failure than a week ago, but is closer to waking up with more weight from the new snow. The layer still has the capability of failing and propagating across a slope. Steep, open slopes above treeline are the most likely places to trigger an avalanche on this layer.
(12/8/2022)
Data pit, Rpman Nose
Photo: J. Thompson
Conditions are getting tricky! Avalanche activity on our problematic persistent weak layer (PWL) has been sporadic at best, but don’t let that lure you onto steep, open slopes during your quest for pow. The existing snow below the new storm snow is firming up and is much more supportive. However, since it’s still early season, all it takes is finding the right rock, stump or thin spot in the snowpack to trigger an avalanche. Also, with the new snow comes added weight to that pesky PWL, edging it ever closer to the tipping point where a sled or skier could trigger an avalanche. I’m going to tip toe around big, open, filled in slopes until conditions change for the better. When out and about today, take a conservative approach paying sharp attention to route finding. Enjoy the POW!
