In frigid temperatures, slabs may take longer than usual to heal and bond to the snow below.
If you're getting out in the cold, remember that freezing temperatures make for higher consequences.
Wind slabs exist on lee slopes and cross-loaded features due to continued strong outflow winds. They could overlie a weak layer of surface hoar, facets, and/or a crust. Be aware of the potential for reverse loading and encountering wind slabs on slopes you might not expect them.
No avalanches have been reported in this area recently. If you venture into the backcountry, please consider submitting a MIN report, as it helps to strengthen our data gathering.
The now-faceted snow overlies a highly wind-affected surface, including a wide variation in snowpack depths. Exposed alpine areas have been scoured, while lee slopes can see 150 cm.
In sheltered areas at treeline, a layer of surface hoar crystals is found down 20 to 30 cm. Although this layer has not been producing avalanches recently, continued reverse-loading may increase the likelihood of triggering.
The snowpack is somewhat shallow but, for the most part, settled and well consolidated with no layers of concern being reported.
The same story continues with the bitterly cold arctic air mass over the region. Gusty outflow winds, extremely cold temperatures and dangerous wind chill values are expected to persist through Thursday night. An abrupt change in the weather pattern is expected for the weekend.
Tuesday night
Mostly clear. No precipitation. Easterly wind at 40 km/h. Temperatures steady around -28˚C.
Wednesday
Mostly clear. No precipitation. Easterly wind at 40 km/h. Temperatures steady around -30˚C.
Thursday
Partly cloudy. No precipitation. Southeasterly wind at 30 km/h. Temperatures steady around -30˚C.
Friday
Snow 5-10 cm. Southwest wind 30 km/h at ridge tops. High of -24˚C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
