Wind slabs are susceptible to human triggering. Use added caution near ridges on all aspects.
Avalanche problems
Wind Slabs
N
NE
E
SE
S
SW
W
NW
Alpine
Treeline
Below treeline
Likelihood
Possible
Size
1–2
Wind slabs may be found at high elevations near ridges. The wind has been blowing from variable directions so expect to find them on all aspects.
Confidence
High -
Weather Forecast
TUESDAY NIGHT: Mostly cloudy with isolated flurries, trace accumulation, light to moderate northeast wind, alpine temperature -10 C.WEDNESDAY: Mostly cloudy, light to moderate northeast wind, alpine temperature -12 C.THURSDAY: Clear skies, light northwest wind, alpine temperature -12 C.FRIDAY: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 5 cm, moderate southwest wind, alpine temperature -12 C.
Avalanche Summary
There were numerous reports of wind slab avalanches being triggered in the region over the weekend. Check out the many MIN reports on the map view or here for some great observations. In general, small to large (size 1 to 2) wind slabs were triggered in steep alpine terrain. They were generally 10 to 30 cm deep and on southwest to northwest aspects.There have also been some reports of whumpfing and settlements, generally below treeline.
Snowpack Summary
Snow surface conditions are variable. At higher elevations, wind slabs exist in lee terrain features from recent snowfall and strong winds blowing in variable directions. In sheltered areas, around 10 to 20 cm of low-density snow may be found, possibly on a smooth melt-freeze crust. On southerly slopes, moist snow or a thin melt-freeze crust is to be expected.Several crusts can be found 20 to 60 cm below the surface. Weak surface hoar and faceted snow may be found around these crusts, but have produced little avalanche activity over the past month. The remainder of the snowpack is generally well-settled.