CURRENT DANGER RATING:

On all wind loaded terrain above 5,500 feet the danger is rated at:

On all other terrain the danger is rated at:

SITUATION

During our tour in the Link Mountain area yesterday we received 4 inches in about 5 hours. Winds were light out of the NE at our pit site, but as we toured up winds were light out of the SW. Winds out of the NE were not predicted in the forecast, this stresses again the importance of making your own site specific evaluations. The visibility was poor with pockets of fair with a few glimpses of surrounding areas.  No whumping or shooting cracks were observed.  No natural avalanches were observed in the Link Mt or Red Meadow Peak area.  However, snowmobile reports from the Kootenai NF observed recent small natural avalanches on N and E aspects in both the Lightning and Twin Peaks areas. As well, a recent observation from John F Stevens Canyon in GNP a soft slab was skier triggered on a SE aspect on wind deposited snow not bounding well to the old snow suface.       

The observation on Wed. was from Link Mountain at 7,171 feet in elevation, on a NE aspect. The most notable weak interface was down about 78 cms on an ice lense above a rounding faceted layer. This layer was releasing with clean shears with hard to very hard forces. This layer did not however react during the Extended Column Test.  The concern with this layer is the weak interface that could be triggered in steep open slopes and on convex rolls. This layer has also been noted in past observations across our region.  So broken record time: It is important to make site specific evaluations before dropping in or on a slope.  Snowmobilers should pay special attention to this layer as it could be more reactive with heavier forces.   

DISCUSSION

The forecasted new snow accumulations today are predicted to be light with 1 - 3 inches and light SW winds. Winds are currently out of the SW at 2 mph with mostly cloudy skies predicted across our region.  Temperatures today are forecasted to be in mid 20s to high 30′s and overnight temperatures ranging in the mid 20s to low 30′s.  

The avalanche hazard on all wind loaded terrain above 5,500 feet has increased to Considerable and all other terrain will remain at MODERATE today. Time is the factor for these windslabs to settle out.  Stay tuned throughout the week.

See the current NWS (backcountry weather forecast).

TREND

Snow levels are expected to climb so stay tuned for updated weather and for our next advisory on Saturday. Time will tell whether the snowpack is going to settle out.  Triggered avalanches are possible around wind slabs. Convex and ridgetop rolls are of concern so avoid these terrain features on your ascent or descent.

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