Storm Slabs
- Alpine
- Treeline
- Below treeline
- Likelihood
- Possible
- Size
- 1–2
Snow conditions and avalanche hazards will depend on the zone, elevation, and aspects traveled through today. In Thompson Pass recent winds from multiple directions have redistributed moderate amounts of storm snow into isolated wind slabs on leeward aspects at mid to high elevations. Windslab sensitivity to triggers is expected to be decreasing but there may be some softer and thinner pockets that could still be triggered. Windslabs will likely have 2-4 inches of recent storm snow on top making them more difficult to identify from a distance today.
Small amounts of recent snow in Thompson Pass and areas to the north have not yet created a storm slab hazard. It is notable, however, that the new snow is resting on a layer of surface hoar recently observed from Road level to 3800. This layer was located through Thompson Pass and areas to the North. Deeper burial of this layer could result in future avalanche problems so stay tuned for updates.
Upper elevations in the Maritime zone have recently received up to a foot of new snow that may be sensitive to human triggers in specific areas today. Stiffer snow that has seen light to moderate wind effect will be the most sensitive. Below 1500 feet in Maritime areas the snowpack has a poor structure with areas of faceted snow and buried eroding rain crusts. Use caution on routes that pass through steep low-elevation terrain.