Avalanche Forecast

Moderate

Observations have been limited but two reports from Sunday included:

-A natural size 2 (large) wind slab on a southwest aspect at treeline in Pine Pass.

and

-A small (size 1) ski cut wind slab above the east arm of Quesnel Lake, northeast aspect at treeline.

The North Rockies field team observed rider triggerable wind slabs in Pine Pass on Friday as well. Check out the MIN.

Looking forward, flurries and elevated winds should keep wind slab problems alive and well for Tuesday.

Up to about 10 cm of new snow should accumulate in the region by end of day Tuesday. It will bury wind-affected surfaces and wind slabs in exposed areas at elevation and otherwise add to about 30 cm of settling recent snow. This snow overlies a crust up to 1400 m on all aspects, but it may sit over a weak layer of surface hoar in sheltered areas.

Two additional layers of surface hoar can be found in the top meter of the snowpack at treeline. These layers are generally no longer a concern, the exception being shallow rocky areas at upper treeline.

The current snowpack has considerable variation in structure and depths across the region and is shallow for this time of year.

Monday night

Cloudy with flurries bringing about 5 cm of new snow. South alpine wind 20 to 40 km/h.

Tuesday

Cloudy with continuing flurries bringing about 5 cm of new snow. Southwest alpine wind shifting northeast or northwest late in the day, 20 to 40 km/h, treeline temperature falling to -14°C, cooling further overnight.

Wednesday

Clearing, still partly cloudy. Northeast or northwest alpine wind 5-10 km/h. Treeline temperature -20°C to -25°C.

Thursday

Mainly sunny. Northeast alpine wind 20-50 km/h. Treeline temperature -30°C to -35°C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
• Wind slabs are most reactive during their formation.
• Use ridges or ribs to avoid areas of wind loaded snow.