The winds have arrived, contributing to widespread windslab development at upper elevations. New surface slab development and exposure to overhead cornices should be top of mind when traveling in the backcountry this week.
SW winds have increased into the moderate-to-strong range with extreme gusts, building wind slabs in lee terrain. These winds have redistributed up to 30 cm of recent snow over the past week, creating reactive wind slabs at treeline and above.
Reports of a wind-initiated natural avalanche cycle to size 2 at upper elevations were noted on Monday.
New wind slab development is expected at treeline and above as Moderate to strong South and West winds redistribute 25 to 30cm of surface snow onto lee slopes.
In some areas the Jan 24 surface hoar or crust is 25 to 35 cm down at treeline and below. Check before committing to bigger terrain. Snowpack below is generally strong and settled.
Snow will taper Monday evening as a brief clearing trend moves in Tuesday. This will be short-lived, as another frontal system will move into the region Wednesday, bringing more precipitation. At the moment, there is a large discrepancy in forecasted snowfall amounts, ranging from 5 to 30 cm by Thursday afternoon. Winds will remain elevated through this period, and temperatures will hold near -7°C at 2000m.
