Avoid steep slopes with areas of dense wind-blown snow.
Shifting winds may build wind slabs in unusual places - Don't get caught off guard!
Small but reactive wind slabs have been reported on various aspects. Wind slabs will be most reactive in immidiate lee features such as just below ridgetops.
On Dec 20th explosive control triggered several size 1-1.5 wind slabs on northerly slopes in the alpine.
On Dec 18th, large (size 2) natural wind slab avalanches occurred at treeline.
Outflow north and easterly winds may build fresh wind slabs, while older wind slabs could remain sensitive to triggering.
Alpine and treeline areas have seen significant wind effect and wind slabs have built on a variety of aspects from strong, shifting winds. In some places, the wind effect has reached even below treeline elevations.
In wind-sheltered areas at treeline and below, there is still soft powder to be found.
The mid and lower snowpack are uncomplicated and relatively deep for the time of year. Snowpack depths in excess of 300+ cm can be found at treeline elevations.
Saturday Night
Partly cloudy. 20 km/h east ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -19 °C.
Sunday
Mix of sun and clouds. 30 km/h east ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -19 °C.
Monday
Mostly sunny. 20 km/h east ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -23 °C. Possible alpine temperature inversion developing.
Tuesday
Mix of sun and clouds. 15 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -23 °C. Possible alpine temperature inversion.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
