Human-triggered wind slabs remain possible anywhere the wind has affect the snow surface. Any incident is of high consequence in frigid weather.
Northeast wind formed touchy wind slabs over the past few days. The wind is now switching to the southwest, meaning new wind slabs may form. The result is that wind slabs may be found on all aspects. Assess for slabs in steep terrain prior to committing.
There was further evidence of deep persistent slab activity from the past week. Riders should continue to avoid steep, thin, rocky slopes, particularly near alpine ridgelines.
Looking forward, we anticipate that wind slabs will remain possible to be human triggered.
Strong northeast wind formed touchy wind slabs in lee terrain features in wind-exposed terrain. The wind will switch to southwest on Friday, possible forming new slabs. This means wind slabs may be found on all aspects. The frigid weather will slow the healing process, meaning these slabs could remain touchy for the coming days.
The middle of the snowpack is generally strong.
A weak layer of large and weak facets is found near the base of the snowpack. The layer is currently dormant, except in very steep alpine terrain that is inherently shallow. Riders should continue to avoid thin, rocky terrain where the likelihood of triggering this layer is increased.
Thursday Night
Clear skies with no precipitation, 20 km/h east wind, treeline temperature -26 °C.
Friday
Increasing clouds with afternoon snowfall, accumulation 1 to 3 cm, 40 km/h west wind, treeline temperature - 21 °C.
SaturdayCloudy with snowfall, accumulation 5 to 10 cm, 40 to 50 km/h southwest wind, treeline temperature -14 °C.
SundayCloudy with snowfall, accumulation 5 to 15 cm, 20 to 30 km/h southwest wind, treeline temperature -14 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
