Turnagain Pass

It has now been 5 days since the last precipitation fell.  During this past week temperatures have cooled and allowed a once rain soaked surface to refreeze between 1,500′-2,500’.  As you might guess the snow surface in this elevation band is firm to say the least.  “Boilerplate” and “coral reef” are terms that come to mind when thinking about this rain crust.  Once above this elevation band, you will find enjoyable and mostly stable snow.  Significant slope tests in the form of cornices were witnessed on Thursday with minimal avalanche activity.  A lack of buried persistent weak layers in the snowpack in the higher elevations has allowed instability to be confined to during and immediately after this most recent (now not so recent) storm.

New snow amounts today will be in the 3-5” range and are not enough to create slabs big enough to be of concern.  You may find exceptions to this on steep wind loaded slopes in the higher elevations.  Paying attention to areas that are receiving enough snow and wind to build slabs over 6” will be important today.  Keep in mind that these areas will be few and far between.  Volume of any potential slabs today should be very low.  Any new snow falling today will be touching down on a layer of surface hoar in many areas and consequentially will be sensitive to human triggers.

Other hazards in the mountains today will be traveling in the mid elevations on firm surfaces (hint: sharpen your edges), exposed rocks, stumps, and open water.

We are tracking several areas in the forecast zone that have glide avalanches.  Tincan trees, Eddies, and the East face of Pyramid all have glide avalanches of varying size.  No new movement was observed yesterday.  As always steer clear of any open cracks you see on the snow surface.  These avalanches are moving in super slow motion but could change speed without the normal warning signs that we typically associate with avalanche release.