Wind slabs persist in exposed, high-elevation terrain.
Exercise extra caution during periods of sun or warming, when both cornices and wind slabs may be especially reactive.
Recent snow was accompanied by strong southerly winds, forming wind slabs in exposed terrain. These slabs may remain surprisingly reactive due to the underlying crust.
Cornices are large and overhanging, with the potential to trigger large avalanches on slopes below. Give them a wide berth and minimize time spent traveling beneath them, especially during periods of direct sun and/or warming.
A few small storm and wind slab avalanches were reported in the region on Wednesday and Thursday. These avalanches occurred predominantly at treeline but one was triggered on a north aspect below treeline.
If you are heading into the backcountry, please share your observations by posting a MIN. Shout out to those who have been submitting.
Recent storm snow has been redistributed by strong southwest winds, forming deeper deposits on north and east facing aspects.
A 10 to 20 cm thick crust, formed during the recent atmospheric river event, is now buried 40 to 60 cm below the surface. The exception is in wind-scoured alpine terrain, where this crust may remain exposed at the surface. It extends up to at least 2000 m in the northern part of the region and 2500 m in the south. Moist snow may still be present beneath this crust.
The early February crust is buried 100 to 160 cm deep and is not currently a concern.
Overall, the remaining snowpack is well settled and generally well bonded.
Friday Night
Mostly cloudy. 1 to 10 cm of snow. 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C.
Saturday
Mix of sun and clouds. 1 cm of snow. 20 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.
Sunday
Mix of sun and clouds. 1 to 5 cm of snow. 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.
Monday
Mix of sun and clouds. 1 to 3 cm of snow. 30 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
