Recent snowfall combined with strong winds may be forming reactive new slabs.Use extra caution when entering wind-affected terrain.
Fresh snow and moderate to strong southerly winds may be forming reactive new slabs. Watch for visible wind transport, and signs of instability like shooting cracks.
On Wednesday, a large (size 2) avalanche was reported on a north aspect in the alpine. It is suspected to have failed on a layer of surface hoar that has been preserved in isolated areas. See photo below. Field observations have been limited, if you're out in the backcountry please consider submitting your observations to the Mountain Information Network.
Up to 20 cm of recent snow covers old, firm, wind-affected or crusty surfaces. Moderate to strong forecast southerly winds will likely form deeper deposits of fresh, reactive wind slab that may not stick well to the old surface. In isolated areas buried surface hoar can be found 20 to 40 cm deep.
Below 1500 m, a thick melt-freeze crust is buried 50 to 100 cm deep.
The mid-pack is generally strong and bridges the weak crystals at the base of the snowpack.The average snowpack depth at treeline is around 200 cm.
Friday Night
Cloudy. 2 to 8 cm of snow expected. 50 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around -7 °C.
Saturday
Cloudy. 2 to 7 cm of snow expected. 30 to 45 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around -5 °C.
Sunday
Mostly cloudy. 0 to 3 cm of snow expected. 20 to 30 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around -6 °C.
Monday
Mostly cloudy. 2 cm of snow expected. 30 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around -5 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
