Wind Slabs
- Alpine
- Treeline
- Below treeline
- Likelihood
- Possible - Likely
- Size
- 1–2
Recent snow and strong winds have formed wind slab at higher elevations. Strong wind means that wind slabs could be found further down slope than expected.
Continuously verify conditions as you travel.
Wind slabs are possible when the snow surface is dry, wet loose avalanches are likely when the snow surface is wet or slushy.
Recent snow and strong winds have formed wind slab at higher elevations. Strong wind means that wind slabs could be found further down slope than expected.
Large avalanches could be triggered from thin spots or with a large load, like a cornice fall.
On Monday, ski cutting and explosive control in the region produced numerous size 1 to 2 storm slab avalanches. These avalanches occurred on all aspects and many were triggered at low elevations. The largest of these avalanches was 3 m deep.
The upper snowpack is likely moist on all aspects and elevations. The exception could be north and east aspects in the alpine, where wind slabs may exist.
A widespread crust from earlier this month can be found down 70 cm. Layers of facets, crust, and surface hoar from February and January can be found just below this crust.
The remainder of the snowpack is well settled and strong.
Tuesday Night
Cloudy. Light rain possible. 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 3 °C. Freezing level 2400 m.
Wednesday
Cloudy. 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 4 °C. Freezing level 2600 m.
Thursday
Mix of sun and clouds. 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 4 °C. Freezing level 2400 m.
Friday
Mostly cloudy. 5 mm of rain at treeline. 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 5 °C. Freezing level 2600 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.