Isolated wind slabs may exist below ridgetops. Use caution when transitioning into wind affected terrain.
Confidence
Moderate - Wind speed and direction is uncertain
Weather Forecast
Friday: Mix of sun and cloud / Light northeasterly winds / Average temperature at treeline -20 C.Saturday: Mostly sunny / Light to moderate northwesterly winds / Average temperature at treeline -20 C.Sunday: Mostly sunny / Light to moderate westerly winds / Average temperature at treeline -15 C.
Avalanche Summary
On Wednesday, no new avalanches were reported in this region.
Snowpack Summary
Wind slabs may exist in isolated lee features below ridgetops but are not expected to be widespread due to relatively light wind speeds thus far. The cold temperatures have promoted surface faceting, which probably means the top layer of snow is soft in sheltered areas. Treeline snow depths around Elkford are only around 60 cm. In shallow areas, the snowpack is most likely facetted (sugary) throughout, and any crusts have probably broken down already. In deeper areas, you can likely find the mid-November crust buried down around 50 cm. Below treeline, early season hazards such as stumps, rocks, and open creeks are still a major concern.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.