Strong winds are expected to form new and reactive wind slabs at higher elevations.
Avoid freshly wind loaded slopes.
New wind slabs are expected to form over old surfaces, likely bonding poorly. While slabs may be small they are expected to be sensitive to human triggers.
On Monday, explosive control work produced size 2 wind slabs with evidence of a previous natural cycle.
Reports in this region are limited, please post any photos or observations to the MIN if you head out!
By Wednesday afternoon, storm totals are expected to reach 20 cm in White Pass and taper inland, falling on heavily wind-affected surfaces.
The January 26 crust is buried 50–100 cm deep below 1350 m. Surface hoar may linger above this layer on sheltered north to east aspects. Human triggering is considered unlikely.
Facets or depth hoar exists at the base of the snowpack and may be a concern in areas with a shallow snowpack, such as inland terrain.
Tuesday Night
Mostly cloudy. 3 to 5 cm of snow. 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.
Wednesday
Cloudy. 5 to 15 cm of snow. 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -11 °C.
Thursday
Mostly cloudy. 4 to 5 cm of snow. 20 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -18 °C.
Friday
Mix of sun and clouds. 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -24 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
