Wind Slabs
- Alpine
- Treeline
- Below treeline
- Likelihood
- Possible
- Size
- 1–2
Shifting winds have created slabs on a variety of aspects in wind-loaded terrain.
Strong sun may increase the reactivity of wind slabs on steep, sun-affected slopes.
Stay off wind-loaded slopes and be mindful of overhead hazard, especially during periods of strong sun.
Shifting winds have created slabs on a variety of aspects in wind-loaded terrain.
Strong sun may increase the reactivity of wind slabs on steep, sun-affected slopes.
10 to 30 cm of new snow arrived Friday night with strong southeast switching to northwest wind creating wind-affected surfaces and wind slabs on a variety of aspects in exposed terrain.
This new snow overlies a sun crust on steep south-facing slopes, faceted snow or large surface hoar in sheltered areas, and wind-affected surfaces in exposed areas.
A second crust is buried 60 to 100 cm deep and may have a layer of surface hoar sitting above it. Recent tests show this layer as unreactive.
The remainder of the mid and lower snowpack is well-settled.
Snow depths at treeline are roughly 100 to 150 cm.
Saturday Night
Mostly clear with lingering valley cloud. 15 to 30 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.
Sunday
A mix of sun and cloud. 15 to 30 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.
Monday
A mix of sun and cloud. 30 to 50 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level rising to 2500 m.
Tuesday
A mix of sun and cloud. 15 to 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.