As winds pick up, slabs are growing and beginning to become more widespread. We may see new slabs build on top of older, weaker snow. Watch thin to thick transitions.
Slabs are slowly, but steadily building in the alpine. It's time to be aware of the thick to thin transitional areas and how easily an avalanche can be triggered.
This slab is sitting on the October crust which has facets above it and provides a good sliding surface. It is more reactive on N and E aspects.
Nothing new today, however there was a sz 2 noted in the MIN's that's worth a quick relay. It was on Wedge Peak (north slope), sz 2-2.5, appeared to be cornice triggered and went to ground.
Changes are happening. Between wind and temperature changes we are seeing the addition of windslabs in the alpine and upper treeline and a general weakening of the lower elevation snowpack. A bit of a contrast for sure, but the different snow character is easy to see and predict. Valley bottom up to about 2300-2400 is weak with little structure in untouched areas. The Oct crust is still evident, however it is slowly breaking down. Above the 23-2400m mark wind transport is the name of the game. Windslabs, sastrugi and exposed rock are in plentiful supply.
Treeline winds will increase slightly tomorrow with an expected speed of 50km. They'll be straight out of the west, with some slight variation in valley bottom. Our forecast says we can expect a few flurries, with only trace amounts of new snow. Temperatures will be steady all day at about -12.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
