Akamina

Ongoing strong winds are forming touchy wind slab conditions at higher elevations.

Several explosive-triggered wind slab avalanches up to size 1.5 were reported on Tuesday.

Recently formed wind slabs will almost certainly remain reactive to human triggers while the strong winds continue.

Recent snow continues to be redistributed by variable winds, forming fresh wind slabs throughout wind-exposed terrain.

A melt-freeze crust with facets above, exists down roughly 50 to 100 cm from the surface. This crust could be an excellent sliding surface for any avalanches triggered on the surface. We are closely monitoring this layer going forward as more snow accumulates it may become a persistent problem.

In general, we are not seeing the same basal weak layers that many of the neighboring regions are experiencing this season. However, may still see a problem develop as more snow accumulates and slab formation continues above it.

Thursday night

Cloudy with clear periods / Light to moderate northeast ridgetop winds, shifting to the southwest by Friday morning / Treeline temperatures -20 to -30 C.

Friday

Mostly sunny / Light to moderate westerly ridgetop winds / Treeline temperatures -25 C, warming to -15 C by end of the day.

Saturday

Mostly sunny / Moderate to strong southwest ridgetop winds / Treeline temperatures -10 to -15 C.

Sunday

Cloudy, with snow beginning Sunday evening / Moderate to strong southwest ridgetop winds / Treeline temperatures -5 to -10 C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
• Be especially cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.
• Avoid shallow, rocky areas where the snowpack transitions from thick to thin.