If the wind picks-up, new reactive wind slabs may form
Confidence
Moderate - Wind speed and direction is uncertain on Tuesday
Weather Forecast
Monday: Sunny with cloudy periods / Moderate northwest winds / Alpine temperature of -13Tuesday: Sunny with cloudy periods/ Light northwest winds / Alpine temperature of -11Wednesday: Mix of sun and cloud in the north of the region. The southern portion may see some light snowfall/ Light east winds / Alpine temperature of -12
Avalanche Summary
Size 1.5 wind slabs were skier-controlled in the Golden backcountry over the last few days in the alpine and at treeline. If the wind picks-up, new wind slab activity will likely occur, especially in areas where snow surfaces are loose and unconsolidated.
Snowpack Summary
Recent snow has formed wind slabs on northerly aspects in the alpine that are reactive to light additional loads like a single skier/rider. The cold temperatures and clear skies are developing near surface facets, and may be preserving surface hoar that was buried on the weekend. Alpine snow depths are around 120-170 cm, and the widespread mid-november crust is buried down around 70-90 cm. Snowpack and crust depths increase as you move west toward the Selkirks. It sounds like there is a bit less snow on the ground in the south of the region, but we have not had many observations at this time. If you dig down to the crust, watch for facets developing above and below that may provide a hard surface with a weak sliding layer in the future. Please let us know what you find by posting to the MIN (Mountain Information Network).
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.