Wind Slabs
- Alta montaña
- Límite del bosque
- Bajo el límite del bosque
- Probabilidad
- Likely
- Tamaño
- 1–2
New snow and wind will be buiding fresh wind slabs near ridgetops and on lee and crossloaded features at upper elevations.
A reactive persistent weak layer remains the primary concern for the region - especially around treeline.
Stick to low-angle slopes and avoid overhead hazards.
New snow and wind will be buiding fresh wind slabs near ridgetops and on lee and crossloaded features at upper elevations.
Be aware of the potential for remote triggering and large avalanches due to buried surface hoar or crust, especially at treeline and forested openings or cutclocks.
Rain at lower elevations on Wednesday may create potential for wet loose sluffing, especially in steep terrain. Use appropriate sluff management techniques if the snow surface is wet.
Monday
A size 2 natural cornice failure occurred.
Sunday
Numerous natural, explosive, and rider-triggered avalanches were observed, including a size 2.5 avalanche triggered from 3 m away.
Saturday
A widespread avalanche cycle to size 3 occurred with avalanches failing within the recent storm snow and on persistent weak layers. Many avalanches were in steep open features; however, this MIN from Silent Pass reports a size 2.5 persistent slab avalanche below treeline.
Around 5 to 15 mm of precipitation is in the forecast for Wednesday, and may fall as rain below 2100 m.
Widespread wind effect at upper elevations left a variety of pressed surfaces, slabs, and sastrugi in open terrain. Solar-facing slopes and lower elevations likely have a surface crust.
A persistent weak layer of surface hoar or crust is buried 40 to 60 cm, with deeper areas like the Dogtooth Range reporting this layer up to 100 cm deep. Recent persistent slab avalanches have failed on this layer, many triggered in sheltered openings at treeline and below.
The mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled. In shallow snowpack areas, large facets or depth hoar are present at the bottom of the snowpack.
Tuesday Night
Mostly cloudy. 2 to 5 cm of snow, highest amounts for the Dogtooth range. 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 1800 m.
Wednesday
Mostly cloudy. 2 to 10 cm of snow at treeline, possible rain below. Highest amounts for the Dogtooth range. 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 2100 m.
Thursday
Mix of sun and clouds. 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C. Freezing level 1700 m.
Friday
Mix of sun and clouds. 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 1900 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.