Observations have been very limited recently but wind slabs are expected to be reactive and extra caution is recommended in wind-exposed terrain.
If you're out in the mountains, please consider submitting a MIN and let us know what you're seeing.
Wind slabs should be anticipated on all aspects in wind-exposed terrain due to recent snowfall and variable winds. The possibility of recent strong winds means that wind slabs could be found further down slopes than typically expected.
No new avalanches have been reported recently but observations have been very limited.
Wind slabs are expected to be reactive to human-triggering on Tuesday resulting from the recent snowfall and ongoing wind.
Continue to support your backcountry community and please consider submitting a MIN report.
Recent snowfall with variable winds over the past few days is expected to have formed new wind slabs. While data has been very sparse recently, a variety of surfaces are expected in the alpine including new wind slabs, old hard slabs, wind scouring, a crust, and even exposed ground.
The height of the snowpack is variable. In areas lee of the prevailing wind, depths of up to 150 cm can be found. At the lower elevation treeline terrain, snow depths decrease and are estimated at 60-90 cm.
Monday night
Light snowfall up to 5 cm, moderate S-SW wind, treeline low around -12 °C.
Tuesday
Mainly cloudy with lingering flurries in the morning and a chance of sunny breaks in the afternoon, moderate S-SW wind, treeline high around -10 °C.
Wednesday
Mainly cloudy with a chance of sunny breaks, light SW wind, treeline high around -10 °C.
Thursday
A mix of sun and cloud, light SE wind, treeline high around -12 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
