Wind slabs may be found in atypical locations due to reverse loading from northerly winds.
Monitor for signs of instability, and avoid committing to steep slopes if the snow feels dense.
Recent storm snow and moderate to strong winds that have varied in direction have developed wind slabs on most aspects at treeline and above. Human-triggered wind slabs remain possible and are more likely in open terrain features.
No new avalanches reported.
We expect that the short lived cold temperatures will prolong the possibility of human triggered wind slabs through Sunday. Continue to assess as you travel and watch for signs of instability.
Up to 25 cm of recent snow has been redistributed by variable winds forming wind slabs on most aspects. Below this a wind affected upper snowpack exists.
Up to 110 cm of settling snow sits on the mid-December crust over wet snow. This forms the basal snowpack to about 2200 m. Above this elevation, a deeper crust with associated facets, formed in mid-November, can be found just off the ground.
Saturday Night
Mostly clear skies. 20 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.
Sunday
Mostly cloudy. 1 cm of snow. 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.
Monday
Mostly cloudy. 1 to 2 cm of snow. 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.
Tuesday
Mix of sun and clouds. 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
