South Coast Inland

Carefully assess for reactive wind slabs and blowing snow before committing to steep slopes at higher elevations.

A size 2 wind slab avalanche was reported on Tuesday in the Duffey area. It was triggered from a deeper, loaded pocket near a ridgetop on a northerly aspect. Check out the MIN report here.

Generally low-density snow on the surface with minimal wind effect in all but exposed alpine terrain.

A thin crust exists in the upper snowpack, up to 1900 m, particularly in sun-affected terrain.

Another crust is buried 60 to 100 cm deep, and in sheltered terrain, a layer of surface hoar may exist just above it. There is uncertainty over its reactivity. It is more likely to be a concern in wind-affected, thin, and rocky start zones at higher elevations.

Snow depths at treeline are roughly 100 to 150 cm.

Wednesday Night

Mostly clear skies. 10 to 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.

Thursday

Mostly cloudy with 0 to 2 cm of snow. 20 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C.

Friday

Mostly cloudy with 0 to 2 cm of snow. 20 to 30 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C.

Saturday

Mostly cloudy with 0 to 2 cm of snow. 30 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Look for signs of instability: whumphing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks, and recent avalanches.
• Pay attention to isolated wind affected features in the alpine, as well as cross-loaded features at treeline.
• Pay attention to the wind; once it starts to blow, sensitive wind slabs are likely to form.
• Keep in mind a buried crust offers an excellent bed surface for avalanches.