Wind slabs may remain triggerable longer than normal due to weak surface hoar underneath.
Rider-triggerable wind slabs may be found below ridgetops and in cross-loaded terrain. A layer of surface hoar buried in early January may be reaching a tipping point as the load above it increases, which could lead to wide propagations.
On Saturday there were numerous, small accidentally triggered wind slab avalanches. Surface hoar was noted as the failure layer.
Recently, there were reports of glide cracks opening up and large glide slab avalanches. Notably more than usual.
Saturday's moderate northwest wind has affected the surface in open areas at all elevations.
In sheltered terrain, 30 to 40 cm of settling snow sits on a layer of weak, feathery surface hoar crystals, possibly even into the alpine. On sunny slopes, there may be a crust as well.
A crust/facet/surface hoar layer buried in early December may be found 90 to 160 cm deep.
Sunday Night
Mostly cloudy. 20 to 40 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.
Monday
A mix of sun and clouds. 20 to 50 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.
Tuesday
A mix of sun and cloud. 10 to 20 km/h west ridgetop wind. Possible temperature inversion. Treeline temperature -5 °C.
Wednesday
A mix of sun and cloud with 1 cm of snow. 20 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Possible temperature inversion. Treeline temperature -5 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
