Ski quality is excellent but pockets of wind slab exist in open areas exposed to the wind. Watch out for cross loaded features and avoid areas where the surface snow has been stiffened by the wind.
Although recent cold temperatures have taken some of the energy out of the recent snowfall, Southerly winds have formed slabs in exposed areas of the alpine and at treeline.
There is evidence of reactive wind slabs in exposed areas in the alpine and at treeline. Although the natural avalanche cycle has slowed, human triggered avalanches are still possible. A skier was involved with and avalanche on Avalanche crest on Sunday (see MIN). Thanks for reporting!
There was a cycle of natural avalanche activity in steep open terrain Thursday night & through the day Friday. Mostly size 1.5-2.5, with a few size 3s from Mt. Tupper and Mt. MacDonald.
Another 20-30cms of low density snow fell Friday with moderate wind building wind slabs, especially in the alpine and open tree line areas exposed to the SW wind.
The mid and lower snowpack are generally strong. There are a couple of crusts buried over a meter deep at Treeline and and below, but these have not shown signs of reactivity in our area recently.
No Precipitation in the forecast but temperatures have moderated and wind will be light.
Tonight Clear periods. Alpine Low -8°C. Ridge wind SW-15km/h.
Tues Cloudy with sunny periods. High -1°C. Wind SW-25km/h. Freezing level (FZL) 1400m
Wed A mix of sun and cloud. High -2 °C. Wind SW-20km/h. FZL1500m.
Thurs A mix of sun and cloud. High 0°C. Wind SW-15km/h. FZL 1800m.
