Sugarbowl

Seek out non-wind-affected snow for the best and safest riding conditions.

Fresh wind slabs may be building on lee slopes at upper elevations.

Moderate

• We are uncertain due to a limited number of field observations.

On Sunday, a naturally triggered size 1.5 wind slab was observed in the McGregors off a northeast-facing ridge. Wind slabs up to size 2 were also observed in the Hasler riding area, along with dry loose sluffing.

For Tuesday, we expect natural avalanches to be unlikely, but wind slabs may remain triggerable by people.

Around 15 to 25 cm of snow is currently covering a thick melt-freeze crust that exists up to around 2000 m and on all solar aspects. Another 5 to 15 cm is in the forecast for overnight and through Tuesday. Strong southwesterly winds will continue building wind slabs on lee north and easterly slopes.

At lower elevations and on sunny or windward slopes, the snow surface may be crusty.

A layer of surface hoar/facets/crust, is buried 40 to 70 cm, and is now expected to be dormant. Lingering concern for triggering this layer remains on high alpine northerly slopes above 2000 m.

Monday Night

Mostly cloudy. 0 to 5 cm of snow. 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.

Tuesday

Cloudy. 2 to 10 cm of snow. 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.

Wednesday

Mostly cloudy. 0 to 3 cm of snow. 50 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.

Thursday

Mostly cloudy. 0 to 5 cm of snow. 60 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Stay off recently wind loaded slopes until they have had a chance to stabilize.
• Seek out sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been affected by wind.
• Use ridges or ribs to avoid areas of wind-loaded snow.
• Use small, low consequence slopes to test the bond of the new snow.