Watch for pockets of wind slabs in steep exposed terrain from easterly winds, consider the possibility of cornice failures, and the potential for surface snow to lose cohesion when the sun is out.
Recent outflow wind has left slabs on west and south-facing slopes in the alpine and near ridgetops at treeline. These slabs could remain reactive to human triggering for a few more days.
Cornices are large this time of year and may have been weakened by recent cold temperatures. Exposure to cornices should be minimized, especially during periods of warm temperatures or strong sun. Give them a wide berth when you are travelling on ridge lines and avoid overhead exposure to large cornices.
THURSDAY NIGHT: Mainly clear. 15-30 km/h wind from the east. Alpine temperature drops to -10 C.
FRIDAY: Sunny with cloudy periods. Alpine temperature rises to -3 C. Light variable winds.
SATURDAY: Sunny. Alpine temperature rises to 1 C. 5-20 km/h winds from the south.
SUNDAY: Sunny. Alpine temperature rises to -2 °C. 10-30 km/h winds from the south.
On Wednesday in the north of the region, several natural wind slabs (size 1.5-2) were observed in the alpine as a result of strong outflow winds loading west-facing aspects. One natural cornice failure was also observed (size 2.5) that did not pull a slab on the slope below.
Numerous natural wind slabs (size 2-3) were observed in the alpine on Monday and Tuesday as a result of northeasterly outflow winds. These wind slabs mainly occurred on west-facing slopes.
Looking forward, wind slabs may still exist in lee areas in the alpine and exposed treeline. Riders should minimize overhead exposure to cornices and give them a wide berth when travelling at ridge crest.
Open terrain has been affected by strong outflow wind that has scoured east-facing slopes and loaded snow onto west-facing slopes. Sheltered areas may still have soft snow. Below 1200 m, a widespread crust exists on the surface. Above 1200 m, 40 to 80 cm of settled storm snow rests on a hard melt-freeze crust from late March. The snow has been bonding to this crust.
