Avoid steep slopes that have recently been loaded by wind. Recent wind has varied in direction, so watch for wind slabs on all aspects in wind-affected terrain.
Reactive wind slabs have been reported on a range of aspects over the past few days, including lower elevations than usual. Expect the most reactive slabs in immediate lee terrain, such as just below ridgetops.
A few small natural wind slabs were reported on Wednesday on south through west aspects. Some natural dry loose avalanches were also observed.
Over the past few days, wind slabs have been reported on a variety of aspects and elevations due to the shifting winds, so wind slabs should continue to be expected on all aspects in wind-affected terrain.
Strong, shifting winds have heavily affected alpine and treeline terrain, building wind slabs on many aspects and in some places extending into the trees.
Cold temperatures have faceted the snow surface. The new snowfall this weekend is expected to bond poorly to this weak surface layer.
The snowpack remains generally deep and simple for the time of year, with treeline depths exceeding 300 cm.
Thursday Night
Partly cloudy. 20 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -16 °C.
Friday
Sunny. 20 km/h north ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -22 °C.
Saturday
Mostly cloudy. 3 to 5 cm of snow. 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -23 °C.
Sunday
Mostly cloudy. 5 to 15 cm of snow. 40 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -16 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
