Wind Slabs
N
NE
E
SE
S
SW
W
NW
- Alpine
- Treeline
- Below treeline
- Likelihood
- Possible
- Size
- 1–2
South and east winds have created fresh wind slabs in exposed lee terrain.
Avalanche forecast
View on mapKootenay Pass
Feb 6 – 7, 2024Avalanche Canada
Archived · expired 3 years ago
Avalanche danger
Thu
Fri
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
Highlights
A bit of new snow and wind Monday night will build fresh wind slabs in higher elevation terrain.
Avalanche problems
Snowpack Summary
10 - 20 cm of new snow has accumulated over a crust at most elevations. Below 1500 m surface snow is likely moist or wet.
A layer of facets (and small surface hoar in some areas) is buried 30-60 cm deep and a layer of facets sitting on a crust is buried 80-100 cm deep. While previous warming and subsequent cooling have likely helped to strengthen these layers, we will continue to monitor them for signs of reactivity.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
There were a few skier controlled size 1 storm slab and dry loose avalanches reported from steep terrain on Monday.
Weather Summary
Monday Night
Mainly cloudy with 3 to 8 cm. Wind southeast and southwest 15 to 35 km/h. Treeline temperature -4 °C. Freezing level 1000 m.
Tuesday
Mainly cloudy with 3 to 5 cm of snow. Wind southwest 20 to 40 km/h. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 1100 m.
Wednesday
Mainly cloudy with 2 to 5 cm of snow. Wind southwest 15 to 25 km/h. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.
Thursday
Mainly cloudy with 1 to 2 cm of snow. Wind southwest 5 to 15 km/h. Treeline temperature -5 °C. Freezing level 500 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- Wind slabs are most reactive during their formation.