Wind Slabs
- Alta montaña
- Límite del bosque
- Bajo el límite del bosque
- Probabilidad
- Possible - Likely
- Tamaño
- 1–2
Watch for wind slab development near ridgetop and in exposed terrain at upper elevations.
Persistent slab are becoming less reactive but the consequence of triggering this layer remains very high.
Conservative terrain choice is the best way to manage the uncertainty surrounding this problem.
Watch for wind slab development near ridgetop and in exposed terrain at upper elevations.
A layer of surface hoar (up to 40mm at tree line & below) is buried 20-60cm deep and sits on a crust. The size and reactivity of this surface hoar layer is extremely variable depending on aspect and elevation.
Expect dry loose avalanche activity on steep slopes and in areas where new snow sits over old crusts.
A solar triggered, natural cycle was observed this week along the highway corridor with avalanches up to size 3.0
Natural avalanche activity has slowed, but human triggering of the January persistent weak layer is still possible. See the MIN in Connaught creek on Tues of a size 1.5 rider remote avalanche, or the aptly titled MIN report of whumping near video peak in Connaught creek from Friday.
New snow on Saturday night will sit over a crust in most areas leading to small, dry loose avalanches in protected areas with wind slabs developing in exposed terrain.
30-60cm beneath the surface is the late Jan weak layer consisting of surface hoar, facets, and a crust. This layer is widespread with largest surface hoar (up to 40mm) in sheltered areas at treeline and below.
The mid and lower snowpack is generally well settled and strong.
Gusts of strong wind overnight with light snow.
Tonight: Flurries, 10cm. Alp low -5°C. Wind SW 30 gusting to 55 km/h. Freezing level (FZL) 1300m.
Sun: Mainly cloudy with sunny periods, isolated flurries. Trace snow. High -5. Light SW wind gusting to 30. FZL 1600m.
Mon Mainly cloudy, isolated flurries. Trace snow. High -7. Wind SW 20-35. FZL 1600m.
Tues Cloudy, scattered flurries, 5 cm. Wind SW 15 gusting 40. FZL 1300m