Hard, stubborn wind slabs may linger from recent strong winds.
Seek out features sheltered from wind for the safest riding conditions.
Wind slabs have formed over old, hard snow and faceted surfaces, and are unlikely to bond quickly. Slabs may be found on a variety of aspects due to the variable direction of recent wind.
Recent reports have been limited to size 1 wind slabs.
Observations in this region are limited. Please post any photos or observations to the MIN if you head out.
Snow surfaces have been heavily affected by variable winds, resulting in hard surfaces, with wind loading or scouring found on most aspects. Pockets of wind slab have formed atop older wind-pressed snow and/or facets.
A mid-February crust or facet layer sits 20 to 60 cm deep, and is more prominent around Haines Pass. The late January crust is buried 50 to 100 cm deep below 1350 m, with surface hoar above on sheltered north to east aspects. This layer is of greatest concern in the inland areas of White Pass.
Facets or depth hoar exist at the base of the snowpack and may be a concern in the inland side of the region, where the snowpack is generally shallower.
Monday Night
Partly cloudy. 10 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -24 °C.
Tuesday
Mostly cloudy. 2 to 3 cm of snow. 20 km/h east ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -23 °C.
Wednesday
Mostly cloudy. 3 to 5 cm of snow. 30 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -18 °C.
Thursday
Mix of sun and clouds. 1 to 4 cm of snow. 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
