Avoid wind-loaded features where new wind slabs are forming. Cornices continue to grow in the region, avoid exposure to large open slopes threatened by overhead hazards.
New thin wind slabs in lee terrain and will add to the current wind slab problem that may still be triggered by large loads. Approach all lee and cross-loaded terrain with caution.
Keep in mind that larger wind slab releases have the potential to step down to the weak basal snowpack, resulting in very large and consequential avalanches.
A layer of large and weak facets sits near the base of the snowpack. This layer is most prominent in upper treeline and alpine elevations. Riders are most likely to trigger an avalanche on this layer in steep terrain where the snowpack is shallow. Your best defence is to stay diligent in choosing low-consequence terrain away from overhead exposure.
No new avalanches reported in the area. Please continue to submit your observations to the MIN.
Looking forward, wind slabs formed by the recent snow and moderate winds are covering old wind slabs that are becoming stubborn but may still be triggered by large loads like a cornice or machine.
Up to 30 cm of new snow (highest snowfall totals at Core Lodge) and wind will continue to build wind slabs in open terrain at treeline and alpine elevations. These new wind slabs are building over various surfaces of old wind slabs, soft snow in sheltered areas and a melt-freeze crust found below 1200 m.
The mid-pack is consolidated but variable in depth depending on aspect and elevation.
The lower snowpack is composed of large and weak facets formed in November and most likely triggerable in steep, rocky alpine terrain.
Thursday night
Clearing overnight, 30 to 40 km/h southwest winds, treeline temperatures around -10 °C
Friday
Increasing clouds with isolated flurries beginning overnight, accumulation 3 to 5 cm, 30 to 40 km/h southwest winds, treeline temperatures -10 °C
Saturday
Mainly cloudy with isolated flurries, accumulation 2 to 5 cm, 40 to 50 km/h winds, treeline temperatures -10 °C.
Sunday
Mainly cloudy, isolated flurries with 2 to 3 cm accumulation, 40 to 50 km/h winds, treeline temperature -5 °C
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
