Reactive wind slabs may exist on all aspects, especially in steep alpine features. A touchy persistent slab problem also exists below treeline in steep, sheltered areas. Lots of hidden hazards still exist below treeline.
Winds have switched back and forth between SW and NE, so be aware that windslabs may have formed in either standard or reverse lees. Recent natural wind slab avalanches were observed on SE aspects.
This problem will most likely be found in steep sheltered areas at treeline and below and may be more reactive with fresh load on Wed and Thurs.
Tues
Overcast with trace snow throughout the day. Wind NW 30 increasing to SW and 50. Alpine High -7
Wed
Cloudy with 5-10 cm of snow through the day and 10-15 through the night. Wind W 50 becoming 30. Alpine High -12
Thurs
Skies clearing. Light to moderate E wind. Alpine High -15
For more info see: Mountain Weather Forecast.
A few natural windslabs to size 2 were observed up the Akamina Parkway in steep and sheltered lee features this week. Two size 2 persistent slab avalanches were triggered remotely by the field team last Wednesday.
A combination of windslab and old storm snow overlies facets and melt-freeze crust. A thicker (5cm) layer of facets exists in more sheltered areas below treeline. In windy areas in the alpine and treeline windslab and settled snow may sit directly on the crust with little or no facets. This overlies a melt freeze crust complex and a generally more stable base of the snowpack. Areas close to the divide have the best snow coverage.
