Human triggering of wind slabs remains possible.
Account for the cold temperatures, build in extra time and plan on maintaining a larger margin of safety.
Wind from the southwest and the northeast means that wind slabs can be found on all aspects. At lower elevations these wind slabs are on a crust, and will be most reactive where the crust is present.
No recent reports this week. Over the weekend, remotely triggered storm and wind slabs (up to size 2) were reported in the Fraser Chute East area and at Log Cabin.
In general, observations are limited this time of year. Be sure to verify conditions as you go.
If you are getting out in the backcountry, consider making a post on the MIN.
Wind has varied in direction over the past few days, expect exposed areas to present wind-affected snow and wind slabs. Cornice development is evident and in many places large. The cold temperatures will likely promote faceting in the upper snowpack.
A crust is buried from 15 to 20 cm under the new snow.
Below ridgetops, there is an average snowpack depth of 110 cm. Snowpack depth gradually thins as elevation decreases to around 60 cm at the highway.
Many early-season hazards are just below the surface at this elevation.
Wednesday Night
Clear skies. 20 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -30 °C.
Thursday
Sunny. 30 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -29 °C.
Friday
Sunny. 20 km/h east ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -29 °C.
Saturday
Mostly cloudy. 1 cm of snow. 30 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -26 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
