Wind Slabs
- Hochgebirge
- Waldgrenze
- Unterhalb der Waldgrenze
- Wahrscheinlichkeit
- Possible - Likely
- Größe
- 1–2
Recent strong south and westerly winds have created new wind slabs in lee features in the alpine.
Temperatures are rising this week. Plan your objective with this in mind: start early, end early!
We are cautiously gaining confidence in the snowpack; dig and investigate persistent weak layers before committing to slopes.
Great skiing can be found at all elevations.
Recent strong south and westerly winds have created new wind slabs in lee features in the alpine.
The March 20 crust is buried 20-60cm at tree line and below. The Jan 24 facets are 80 to 120cm deep and were active in the recent avalanche cycle. Dig down to investigate how these layers are adjusting to the new load. Slopes that have not released naturally should be treated with caution.
Warm temperatures and increased solar radiation will increase the hazard on solar slopes throughout the day.
A size 3 persistent slab was observed on the West face of Mt. McGuire on April 1st originating in steep unskiable terrain.
Field teams observed a size 2 wind slab on Boundary peak on March 30th.
Around 15cm of new snow has fallen this week, redistributed by south and westerly wind in the alpine. Below, a firm crust is supportive at low elevations but gradually disappears above tree line, around 2300 m. A deeper persistent weak layer from late January exists down 80–120 cm. The lower snowpack is generally strong although weak basal facets can still be found in shallow areas.
Thursday
Mainly cloudy with isolated flurries.
Precipitation: Trace.
Alpine temperature: High -1 °C.
Ridge wind North: 10-20 km/h.
Freezing level: 2200 metres.
FridayMainly cloudy with isolated flurries.
Precipitation: Trace.
Alpine temperature: Low -8 °C, High -5 °C.
Ridge wind Southwest: 15-30 km/h.
Freezing level: 1800 metres.
SaturdayCloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurries.
Precipitation: Trace.
Alpine temperature: Low -8 °C, High -5 °C.
Ridge wind West: 15-35 km/h.
Freezing level: 1700 metres.