Watch for new wind slab formation on Saturday at higher elevations. Moderate northerly winds are expected to redistribute the recent storm snow where the snowpack in not capped by a melt-freeze crust.
New wind slab formation is expected on Saturday as winds become moderate from the north. Dry snow was reported above 1500 m so wind transport should be expected above that elevation in wind-exposed terrain.
Looming cornices have grown large during the recent storm. They could still pose a threat from above or below, and are expected to become weak when the sun is at its strongest.
With each subsequent day of melt-freeze conditions, loose wet avalanches will become less likely. However, extra caution is still recommended on steep sun-exposed slopes during the heat of the afternoon. Where the crust is breaking down or non-existent, loose wet avalanches will be more likely.
A ridge of high pressure brings dry and sunny conditions for the weekend.
Friday Night: Mainly clear, light to moderate N wind, freezing levels 600-1000 m.
Saturday: Sunny, moderate N wind, freezing levels reaching around 1500 m.
Sunday: Mainly sunny, moderate to strong N wind, freezing levels reaching around 2000 m with an inversion.
Monday: A mix of sun and cloud, strong NW wind, freezing levels 1500-2000 m.
No new avalanches observed on Thursday. Poor visibility limited observations.
On Tuesday, numerous size 1 wet loose avalanches were reported at below treeline elevations. Poor visibility made for limited alpine observations. Check out this MIN Report for more details at the Mt. Cain area.
On Monday, our field team observed widespread natural avalanche activity size 1-2.5. A skier-triggered size 2 storm slab was reported at Mt Cain on Sunday in this MIN.
A melt-freeze crust is now expected to be capping the snowpack below around 1500 m elevation on all aspects and on sun-exposed slopes into the alpine. On north aspects above 1500 m, the snow surface is expected to remain dry and crust-free. In exposed terrain at higher elevations, the recent storm snow may be wind-affected.
A melt-freeze crust from mid-February can be found approximately 80 cm beneath the surface with some spotty surface hoar crystals above. Recent snowpack testing suggests the crust is bonding well to the surrounding snow. A strong, well-settled middle and lower snowpack exist below.
