Wind slabs can step down to deeply buried weak layers, creating very large avalanches.
Choose smaller, low-consequence terrain.
Northeast outflow winds in the past 24 hours have created fresh pockets of wind slabs in southwest-facing terrain. Recent winds have varied in direction, so be cautious of wind-loaded pockets on all aspects.
Cornices are large, looming, and may trigger large slabs on slopes below.
Facets in the mid and lower snowpack are most likely to be triggered in steep, rocky, wind-affected areas where the snowpack transitions from fat to thin areas.
On Sunday, a significant avalanche accident occurred on the east side of White Pass, behind the Big Y. A snowmobiler highmarking a steep west-facing alpine slope triggered a size 2 persistent slab from a rocky thin area, failing on facets near the ground.
Looking forward to Wednesday, recently formed wind slabs could still be reactive to riders. Persistent slab avalanches remain possible to trigger, especially in steep, rocky, wind-affected terrain.
Cornices are large and looming. Avoid travelling underneath them.
Strong northeast winds have created wind-affected surfaces and wind slabs in open areas. Up to 60 cm of powder may still be found in sheltered areas.
Prolonged cold temperatures this winter have resulted in a very faceted mid to lower snowpack. Normally, thick and stiff wind-hardened layers would lower the likelihood of triggering these facets, but these layers are lacking their usual strength. Thick to thin upper treeline or lower alpine features are the most likely place to trigger weak layers in the mid and lower snowpack.
Tuesday Night
Mostly cloudy. 1 cm of snow. 40 to 60 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -15 °C.
Wednesday
Mix of sun and clouds. 20 to 40 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -19 °C.
Thursday
Mix of sun and clouds. 30 km/h east ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -18 °C.
Friday
Mostly sunny. 30 km/h east ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -16 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
