Watch for signs of instability in wind loaded terrain features. If triggered, wind slabs can run far and fast on a near surface crust.
Strong southwest winds are forecast at all elevations Monday. The recent snow sits above a hard crust and could remain triggerable where wind deposits exist.
Monday night: Light snow, around 5 cm. Freezing level dropping to 700 m. Moderate to strong southwest wind.
Tuesday: Mostly cloudy. Freezing level 700 m. Light southwest wind at north shore ridgetop, moderate above.
Wednesday: Mix of sun and cloud. Freezing level rising to 1500 m. Moderate southerly wind.
Thursday: Mostly cloudy. Freezing level rising to 1800 m. Strong southerly wind.
No recent reports since Thursday when skier triggered storm slab avalanches size 1-2 were reported on all aspects.
Around 5 cm of new snow brings recent snow totals to 30-40 cm on top of a hard rain crust that exists all the way to the tops of the North Shore mountains. Reports indicate that the snow is adhering well to the crust. Reactivity at this interface is most likely where snow is wind affected. Watch for blowing snow and wind slab formation at all elevations Monday, as strong winds are forecast for all elevations.
The snowpack below the rain crust is well settled and strong in most areas.
Watch North Shore Rescue's latest snowpack update here.
