Watch for recently formed wind slabs and use caution around large open slopes. Buried surface hoar is lurking in the snowpack and can be hard to detect.
Strong NE wind on Wednesday has formed new wind slabs in leeward features. Winds have varied recently, so watch for slabs on all aspects in wind-affected terrain.
Several surface hoar layers are buried 60 to 100 cm deep across the region. Their spatial distribution and reactivity are uncertain, so use extra caution on large, steep slopes.
On Wednesday, the AvCan field team observed a couple of recent size 2 wind slab avalanches in the Onion riding area.
On Tuesday, this MIN post descibes one recent small natural wind slab avalanche. They also ski cut a size one wind slab (see photo below).
Variable winds have created mixed conditions. Open areas are heavily wind affected, while sheltered terrain still holds soft powder.
A rain crust from mid-December extends up to about 1400 m. A widespread November surface hoar layer lies 60 to 100 cm deep in sheltered treeline areas. While no recent avalanches have involved this layer, some snowpack tests results have been concerning.
Wednesday Night
Mostly clear skies. 10-20 km/h variable ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -14 °C.
Thursday
Sunny. 20-30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -13 °C.
Friday
Mix of sun and clouds. 1 cm of snow. 10-20 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -16 °C.
Saturday
Mix of sun and clouds. 2 cm of snow. 20-40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -21 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
