Professional Observation

Observation Details

Signs of Unstable Snow

Snow Stability

Bottom Line

A week of uneventful weather combined with a stout surface rain crust (4" thick) at most elevations is contributing to low danger at treeline and below. A weak weather system over the next 48 hours will bring light precip (2-3" snow) and light SW winds to most locations above 5,000'. Expect dust on crust conditions and the possibility of dry loose slides on slopes > 35 degrees. Shallow pockets of reactive wind slab may be encountered on > 35 degree slopes on N-E aspects below ridgeline and cross-loaded terrain features mid-slope. We continue to observe weak persistent grain types in our snowpack. At this time the likelihood of triggering an avalanche on these weak layers is low but the consequences of such an avalanche could be high. Conservative terrain selection is warranted, where and if, the surface crust is penetrated. This is especially relevant for snowmobilers.