Wind slabs may remain triggerable on lee slopes near ridgetops.
Verify conditions and retreat to more conservative terrain if you see signs of instability.
Old wind slabs formed earlier in the week are starting to bond, but could remain triggerable in some areas. Remain cautious around wind-loaded features, especially just below ridgetops.
On Saturday, a small size 1 wind slab was naturally triggered on a northwest-facing slope just below ridge top in the McGregors.
On Thursday, a natural avalanche cycle occurred in the Pine Pass and Hasler areas up to size 2. These slabs and cornice failures generally occurred on lee slopes, at or just below ridgetops. (See photos below. )
If you’re heading out, please consider sharing details about what you see on the Mountain Information Network.
Up to 5 cm of new snow may fall overnight and through Monday. This will add to 40 to 60 cm of snow currently overlying a thick melt-freeze crust. In isolated, sheltered areas, a layer of surface hoar may exist on that crust.
Previous strong ridgetop winds formed wind slabs on lee northerly through easterly slopes. These slabs should be bonding but may remain triggerable in some areas.
A layer of surface hoar/facets/crust, is buried 80 to 100+ cm. Triggering this layer is considered unlikely at this time.
Sunday Night
Mostly cloudy. 2 to 4 cm of snow. 20 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.
Monday
Mostly cloudy. 0 to 2 cm of snow. 40 km/h east ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -11 °C.
Tuesday
Mostly cloudy. 0 to 2 cm of snow. 50 km/h east ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -21 °C.
Wednesday
Mix of sun and clouds. 10 km/h east ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -25 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
