Weak, faceted snow is forming on the surface of the snowpack during current high pressure. Cold nights and clear skies create a strong temperature gradient at the surface of the snowpack. The snow surface is much colder than snow just a few inches below, which promotes a rapid transfer of moisture between snow crystals and grows them into angular, weak, sugary facets. These weak facets will be buried by the next snowfall, and we’ll have to be cautious and carefully assess stability before venturing into avalanche terrain. Crystals in this photo are .5-1.5 mm big. Photo: GNFAC
Advisory Year