Turnagain Pass

The top 2 feet of our snowpack is where the issues can be found.  Depending on aspect the sun has had significant effect to most slopes – either directly on the surface or by creating a series of now buried crusts. 

In general, the better snow can be found on non-south aspects that get less sun exposure.  Watch out for shallow slabs like the ones that we’ve been seeing recently.  Check out the observations page for some examples of what to look out for. 

The avalanches we’ve been seeing have followed a consistent pattern.  Size has been low volume, but they run surprisingly far for the amount of snow involved.  Most aspects are affected, with south having more of a crust/facet issue and north having more of a wind slab issue.  

Picture is from last weekend on the south face of Sunburst.

Shaded slopes still hold dry snow at higher elevations.  Those areas are prone to loose snow sluffing by skier initiation.  Just like the slab problem, the volume is relatively small but they can still travel good distances.  

Wet avalanche problems will start soon.  The current pattern of cold overnight temperatures has kept it from becoming an issue, but it’s only a matter of time.  As always this time of year – think about heat induced avalanche activity in the afternoon when the surface crust melts and the snowpack loses strength.