Carefully assess any leeward or cross-loaded slope for reactive wind slabs.
Cold northeast winds have produced widespread wind slabs, which may be surprisingly deep and hard. If triggered, these slabs could result in larger and more destructive avalanches than expected.
A widespread avalanche cycle was observed on Monday, driven by strong northeast winds and producing wind slab avalanches up to size 2.5 in leeward and cross-loaded terrain.
Natural wind slab activity is expected to decrease significantly, as little dry snow remains available for wind transport in windward terrain.
Observations are limited, so be sure to post yours to the MIN if you get out!
Ongoing strong northeast winds have dramatically reshaped the snow surface. Firm, wind-scoured conditions exist in windward terrain, while deep wind-loaded deposits are found in leeward terrain.
The January 26 crust is buried roughly 50 to 100 cm deep. Surface hoar may persist above this layer on north through east, wind-sheltered slopes. The overlying snow is generally well settled and thick, making human triggering unlikely.
Weak facets or depth hoar exist at the bottom of the snowpack. And could be a concern in shallow areas.
Tuesday Night
Clear skies. 40 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -25 °C.
Wednesday
Sunny. 30 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -20 °C.
Thursday
Mix of sun and clouds. 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -15 °C.
Friday
Mostly cloudy. Trace amounts of snow. 30 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -16 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
