Wind slabs formed earlier in the week may remain triggerable on lee slopes near ridgetops.
Be extra cautious if choosing to enter steep wind-loaded areas.
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 Thursday, a natural avalanche cycle occurred in the Pine Pass up to size 2. These slabs and cornice failures generally occurred on lee slopes, at or just below ridgetops.
There have been limited observations in this region. If you’re heading out, please consider sharing details about what you experience on the Mountain Information Network.
Up to 5 cm of new snow may fall on Sunday. This will add to 40 to 60 cm of settling storm snow at upper elevations, which is currently covering a thick melt-freeze crust that exists up to around 2000 m and on all solar aspects. In isolated, sheltered areas, a layer of surface hoar may exist on that crust.
Previous strong southwesterly ridgetop winds blew the storm snow into wind slabs on lee north and 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.
Saturday Night
Mostly clear skies. 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.
Sunday
Mostly cloudy. 0 to 5 cm of snow. 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -9 °C.
Monday
Mostly cloudy. 2 to 3 cm of snow. 30 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.
Tuesday
Mostly cloudy. 0 to 2 cm of snow. 60 km/h east ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -19 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
