Surface hoar is forming on top of the snow in many parts of the Colorado mountains. It is a type of frost that grows on clear cold nights. It forms large flat faces that sparkle in the sunlight and is much weaker than snow layers that form during precipitation or wind events. Today is a good day to look for surface hoar while you are in the backcountry. If it gets buried by the new snow tonight, it could produce avalanches over the weekend. Buried surface hoar layers are a notorious weak layer t

We are still looking for surface hoar under the new snow. We suspect it is preserved in most parts of the South Rockies region. The distribution might be spotty, but it is most likely found on north aspects, sheltered areas, and places that haven’t been hit by the wind. | Avalanche Canada South Rockies