Small wind slabs are expected to remain reactive on Wednesday in exposed high elevation terrain. Reverse loading by northeast winds means wind slabs may have formed in unusual places.
Recent periods of moderate to strong northeast wind have redistributed the recent snowfall into small reactive wind slabs in exposed terrain features. These slabs sit over a firm melt-freeze crust which may increase their reactivity.
Tuesday night: Partly cloudy, light to moderate northeast wind, treeline low around -12 °C.
Wednesday: A mix of sun and cloud, light to moderate east wind, treeline high around -6 °C.
Thursday: Mainly sunny, light east wind, treeline high around -5 °C.
Friday: A mix of sun and cloud, light variable wind, treeline high around -2 °C.
No new avalanches were reported over the past few days.
Observations are very limited this time of year. If you are getting out in the backcountry, please consider contributing to the Mountain Information Network.
Up to 15 cm of recent snowfall has buried a widespread melt-freeze crust which formed during the major warming event at the end of last week. Moderate to strong northeast wind on Monday and Tuesday has redistributed this recent snow in exposed terrain forming small wind slabs which sit on the crust.
Multiple crusts exist in the upper snowpack which are well bonded with the current cold conditions. The middle and lower snowpack are currently well settled and strong.
