In a sea of wind affected surfaces, wind slabs remain a concern and may be tricky to recognize.
Avoid large open slopes capable of producing large avalanches.
Because of their dense, stubborn nature, and the possibility of a weak layer underneath, they may fracture wider than anticipated and with no warning.
Several size 1-1.5 rider triggered wind slabs have been reported in the last 3 days. Recent activity has mainly occurred at treeline elevations and on north or west facing slopes. Check out the photos below.
Dry loose sluffing to size 2 has also been noted from extreme, wind sheltered terrain where faceting is affecting the snowpack.
Outflow winds have sculpted the snowpack. Most exposed terrain is sastrugi or has been scoured down to old crusts. On sheltered slopes, wind slabs persist.
20 to 40 cm of snow overlies a surface hoar layer in isolated, wind-sheltered terrain features (primarily at treeline and below).
A January crust and facet layer is buried 60 to 120 cm deep. Below, the remaining snowpack is generally well settled and well bonded.
Sunday Night
Mostly cloudy. 1 to 5 cm of snow. 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -12 °C.
Monday
Mostly cloudy. 1 to 2 cm of snow. 20 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.
Tuesday
Mostly cloudy. 4 to 10 cm of snow. 50 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.
Wednesday
Mostly cloudy. 10 to 25 cm of snow. 60 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
