Wind Drifted Snow

Increasing Danger

Low density snow and strong winds are the perfect ingredients for forming wind slabs. Even on lower elevation slopes were the wind was less strong we still found wind drifts 1' to 3' feet deep. Wind sheltered, treed terrain offered the best visibility and best riding conditions today.

Persistent Weak Layer

Increasing Danger

Each time it snows the likelihood of triggering a avalanche that breaks into old snow rises. Recent heavy snowfall and strong winds are adding significant weight to our snowpack. We were not able to get failure on one of the deeply buried weak layers within 30 taps, however giving the column a few extra taps did produce failure on the deeper buried weak layers. On storm days, or the first clear day after the storm moves out, I stick to lower angle slopes to get a feel for the snow. I'll ride on small tests slopes to see how the snow reacts to the weight of me and my machine. I try to notice if the snow is cracking or breaking off as one big piece. It's quick and easy and I can usually do this on my ride out just by sidehilling on the road banks.