Wind slabs are likely to be encountered at upper elevations and may be reactive to human triggering, especially in lee areas.
Weather Forecast
FRIDAY NIGHT - Mainly cloudy with clear periods / northwest winds, 10 km/h / alpine low temperature near -13SATURDAY - A mix of sun and cloud / northwest winds 10-15 km/h / alpine high temperature near -10 SUNDAY - Mainly sunny / southwest winds 10-20 km/h / alpine high temperature near -8MONDAY - Flurries, 5-10 cm / south winds 20-40 km/h / alpine high temperature near -6
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches have been reported in the region recently.
Snowpack Summary
5-10 cm of new snow sits mainly on wind slabs and facets (sugary snow), as well as surface hoar (feathery crystals) in sheltered areas and a crust on sun exposed slopes. At lower elevations, a weak layer buried in mid January can be found approximately 50-60 cm deep. This layer consists of surface hoar and facets, and may be combined with a crust on south facing slopes. This layer has been most reactive at treeline and below treeline. Avalanche activity on this layer has dropped off significantly, however it may still be possible to trigger avalanches on this layer in areas such as steep cutblocks, and large open glades in the trees.The lower snowpack is generally considered to be strong, except for shallow, rocky areas where cold temperatures continue to facet (weaken) the snowpack.
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.