Watch for reactive wind slabs. A conservative approach is required.
Take into account the cold temperatures, add extra buffer time and maintain a larger safety margin throughout the day.
Wind from the southwest and the northeast means that wind slabs can be found on all aspects.
At lower elevations these wind slabs are on a crust, and will be most reactive where the crust is present.
Over the weekend, remotely triggered storm and wind slabs (up to size 2) were reported in the Fraser Chute East area and at Log Cabin.
In general, observations are limited this time of year. Be sure to verify conditions as you go.
If you are getting out in the backcountry, consider making a post on the MIN.
Wind has varied in direction over the past few days, expect exposed areas to be generally wind-affected with wind slabon leeward slopes. You may find soft snow in only the most in sheltered areas.
A crust is buried from 5 to 40 cm under the new snow. The bond between this crust and the new snow is very poor.
Below ridgetops there is an average snowpack depth of 110 cm. Snowpack depth gradually thins as elevation decreases to around 60 cm at the highway.
Many early season hazards are just below the surface at this elevation.
Monday Night
Mostly clear skies. 30 km/h east ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -26 °C.
Tuesday
Sunny. 20 km/h east ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -28 °C.
Wednesday
Sunny. 20 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -30 °C.
Thursday
Sunny. 20 km/h east ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -31 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
