Touchy wind slabs linger on atypical slopes due to strong northeast wind. Any incident is of high consequence in frigid weather.
Strong northeast wind formed wind slabs on atypical south to west slopes. These slabs could linger longer than usual due to cold weather. Travel conservatively in wind-affected terrain and assess for slabs in steep terrain prior to committing.
Many large (size 2 to 3) wind slabs were observed on southerly slopes on Tuesday. Most of the avalanches were naturally triggered from the rapid loading caused by strong northeast wind. Riders were also able to trigger a few storm slab avalanches within the recent storm snow.
Looking forward, we anticipate that wind slabs will be triggerable on south to west aspects. These slopes are atypical for a wind slab problem so use caution when in wind exposed terrain.
Strong northeast wind formed touchy wind slabs in lee terrain features in wind-exposed terrain. The slabs are on atypical south to west aspects. The frigid weather will slow the healing process, meaning these slabs could remain touchy for longer than is typical.
The middle of the snowpack is generally strong.
A weak layer of large and weak facets is found near the base of the snowpack. The layer is currently dormant. However, riders should continue to avoid thin, rocky terrain where the likelihood of triggering this layer is increased.
Wednesday Night
Mostly clear skies with no precipitation, 40 to 60 km/h northeast wind, treeline temperature -31 °C.
Thursday
Clear skies with no precipitation, 40 to 50 km/h northeast wind, treeline temperature -29 °C.
FridayIncreasing clouds with afternoon snowfall, trace accumulation, 40 km/h west wind, treeline temperature - 21 °C.
SaturdayCloudy with snowfall, accumulation 5 cm, 40 to 50 km/h southwest wind, treeline temperature -14 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
