South Coast Inland

Assess steep slopes for wind slab before committing.

Wind slabs may be found on a variety of aspects.

Moderate

• We are uncertain due to the variability of wind effect on the snowpack.

Small skier triggered wind slab and dry loose avalanches continue to be reported in the region. These avalanches have generally occurred in steep terrain in the alpine and treeline.

On Wednesday one of these wind slabs propagated surprisingly wide, up to 120 m. The slab was only 10 to 15 cm thick.

15 to 40 cm of recent snow sits over a thin crust, formed earlier this month. Recent moderate to strong wind has variably effected open terrain at treeline and in the alpine.

A widespread crust and facet layer from late January is buried 30 to 60 cm deep.

The mid and lower snowpack is generally well settled and strong. Snowpack depth at treeline is around 150 cm.

Thursday Night
Cloudy. 1 to 3 cm of snow. 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.

Friday
Mostly cloudy. 1 to 2 cm of snow. 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C.

Saturday
Mix of sun and clouds. 1 to 4 cm of snow. 10 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.

Sunday
Mostly sunny. 1 to 3 cm of snow. 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Be careful as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
• Be alert to conditions that change with elevation, aspect, and exposure to wind.
• Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.