Wind slabs exist at higher elevations, so the best and safest riding is likely in sheltered lower elevation terrain.
Confidence
Moderate - The weather pattern is stable
Weather Forecast
TUESDAY: Sunny, light north winds, alpine temperatures at -14.WEDNESDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, light east winds, alpine temperatures at -12.THURSDAY: Scattered flurries with accumulations of 5 cm, moderate south winds, alpine temperatures at -10.
Avalanche Summary
Wind slabs were reactive to explosive triggers on the weekend, resulting in several size 1-1.5 avalanches. The wind slabs were less reactive to skier-triggering, although a skier triggered a cornice fall which released a slab on a north-facing alpine slope. On Sunday, small loose avalanches were observed in steep south-facing terrain when the sun came out. Wind slabs may remain reactive to human-triggering in isolated wind loaded areas.
Snowpack Summary
Surface conditions are highly variable throughout the region. Strong winds over the weekend formed hard and stubborn wind slabs on lee features, and scoured windward features. 10-20 cm of low density snow exists in sheltered areas an offers the best and safest riding. Thin sun crusts can be expected to form on steep south-facing slopes with clear skies. Surface snow will likely begin to facet with cold air temperatures in the upcoming days, possibly creating a weak interface when the next storm arrives. The mid-pack is generally strong, with a widespread mid-November crust buried anywhere from 30-200 cm depending on aspect and elevation. Snowpack tests have shown the crust to be mainly unreactive, but it could remain a problem in shallow alpine start zones.
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.