Avalanche Forecast

On Friday several recent size 2 wind slabs were observed in the Paddy Peak area. Observers noted active wind transport still occurring with snow available for transport.

On Tuesday, a size 2.5 persistent slab avalanche was remotely triggered by skiers on a ridgetop in the alpine. The slab propagated widely on a thin, rocky southeast aspect and it stepped down to basal facets lower on the slope.

Outflow winds from the north continue to scour exposed terrain, creating waves of sastrugi in more sheltered terrain, and forming wind slabs on southerly aspects. Areas north of White Pass have more loose snow available for transport. Sheltered terrain in side valleys to the east and west of White Pass still may hold softer snow for riding.

The middle of the snowpack is very firm and settled. There is a surface hoar layer buried 60 cm (Powder Valley, Tuthsi, Paddy Peak) to 120 cm (White Pass) deep in sheltered, mostly north facing terrain features. On other aspects this layer exists as a crust and facets. Natural and human triggered avalanches have occurred on these layers recently and it remains a concern in alpine terrain.

At the base of the snowpack large sugary crystals persist.

Friday Night

Flurries overnight with trace accumulations. Moderate to strong northeasterly winds continue.

Saturday

Skies clear in the afternoon with possible scattered flurries. Moderate to strong northeasterly wind. Alpine high -20 ˚C.

Sunday

Sunny. Light to moderate northeasterly wind. Alpine high -18 ˚C.

Monday

A mix of sun and cloud with light easterly wind. Alpine high of -15 ˚C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Watch for areas of hard wind slab on alpine features.
• Avoid steep, rocky, and wind effected areas where triggering slabs is more likely.
• Seek out sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been wind-affected.
• If triggered, wind slabs avalanches may step down to deeper layers resulting in larger avalanches.