Assess for wind slabs, which could be triggered in steep terrain.
Wind slabs may exist in steep terrain features. They may be found on all aspects, including south, due to variable wind directions. These slabs may be touchy to riders and could take some time to bond to the snowpack.
No recent avalanches have been observed in the North Rockies.
We'd appreciate if you submit your observations to the Mountain Information Network, even just a photo.
THURSDAY NIGHT: Partly cloudy with no precipitation, 10 to 20 km/h northeast wind, alpine temperature -23 C.
FRIDAY: Partly cloudy with no precipitation, 10 to 20 km/h northwest wind, alpine temperature -21 C.
SATURDAY: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 5 to 10 cm, 60 to 90 km/h southwest wind, alpine temperature -14 C.
SUNDAY: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 5 to 15 cm, 20 to 40 km/h southwest wind, alpine temperature -13 C.
Wind slabs may have formed from Wednesday night's 5 cm of snow and strong wind from variable directions. These slabs could remain touchy to riders, as they sit on previously wind-affected snow, sugary faceted grains, and/or surface hoar in areas sheltered from the wind.
A weak layer of feathery surface hoar may be found around 20 to 50 cm deep. It is most likely found in sheltered terrain features in the lower alpine and treeline, or open features below treeline (e.g., cut blocks). We've only received a few reports of this layer, so it may be spotty in the region.
The middle of the snowpack has been reported as well-settled and strong. The base of the snowpack is composed of weak faceted grains, particularly in thin snowpack areas east of the divide, but has not recently been a concern.
