With warm temperatures comes great WINDS!

<p>It was a day of extremes today! The extreme winds are the headline. There was snow on the move at all elevations. Winds were generally from the west but were variable throughout the day. We checked out the snowpack in a sheltered location to look for a recent surface hoar layer that was buried mid-December. We did find a pretty distinct layer but the crystals were small and broken. We had moderate test results: CTM 11 PC down 20cm on Sz 2 SH We suspect wind slabs are building rapidly and will likely be more reactive where this surface hoar layer is found. The layer is likely to be found in sheltered areas and more common at Treeline and below. A temperature swing from -21 in the morning to -9 when we left the field this afternoon. It lightly snowed throughout the day but with the winds, it was hard to tell how much new snow we received. </p>

Terrain Avoided

Alpine slopes, Convex slopes.

Avalanche Conditions

30cm + of new snow, or significant drifting, or rain in the last 48 hours.

Snow Conditions

Powder, Wind affected.

Weather Conditions

Windy.