Wind slabs are still forming, especially at the top of slopes and near ridges. Avoid areas that have been heavily loaded by the wind.
Wind slabs are mainly found in alpine terrain and at the tree line, especially at the top of slopes and below ridges. They are approximately 20 to 50 cm thick and could be triggered by a skier.
Small slab avalanches were observed on Mount Lyall on Saturday (see MIN).
If you head into the backcountry, thanks for sharing your observations on the Mountain Information Network (MIN).
In alpine terrain and at treeline, the snowpack is characterized by alternating wind-blown snow and layers of wind slabs.
Below 600 m elevation, a brittle melt-freeze crust is present at a depth of approximately 10 to 20 cm.
The first two-thirds of the snowpack are gradually denser. At its base, there is a combination of crusts and facets resting on the ground.
The average height of the snowpack at mid-mountain is approximately 120 cm.
The weekend will be marked by the arrival of an Arctic northwesterly flow bringing intense cold and strong winds.
Saturday evening and night: Partly cloudy. Trace of snow. Northwest wind 12 to 43 mph. High −33°F.
Sunday: Mostly sunny. Northwest winds 20 to 60 km/h. High -22°C.
Monday: Cloudy. Snow 1 to 2 cm. East winds 20 km/h. High -14°C.
Tuesday: Cloudy. Snow 0.8 to 1.2 inches. Northwest winds 12 to 31 mph. High -14°F.
