Assess for new wind slabs as you gain elevation
We have some uncertainty in distribution of wind slabs but confidence in sensitivity to triggering
Newly formed wind slabs will likely be found in exposed terrain. These slabs could be sensitive to rider traffic due to the weak layers underneath.
Several small skier triggered avalanches were reported in the Seymour backcountry. These avalanches were on north aspects and up to size 1.5. Check out the MIN report for more details.
15 to 30 cm of new snow has fallen with southerly wind, forming wind slab on northerly aspects. In sheltered terrain this new snow may overlie soft, faceted snow or surface hoar. In exposed terrain it will overlie a sun crust or wind-affected snow.
A late-January weak layer (hard crust, facets, or surface hoar) is buried 80 to 120 cm deep, it is not currently a concern.
The lower snowpack is strong and bonded.
Sunday Night
Cloudy with 0 to 2 cm of snow. 10 to 20 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C.
Monday
Cloudy in the morning with trace amounts of snow possible. 10 km/h variable ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 1100 m.
Tuesday
Mostly cloudy with trace amounts of snow. 15 to 30 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C.
Wednesday
Cloudy with 15 to 35 mm of mixed precipitation. 25 to 50 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Freezing level rising to 1500 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
