The winds are changing conditions at tree line and alpine elevations. Watch for localized wind loading.
Confidence
Moderate - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain
Weather Forecast
Winds tonight will be steady at 45 km/hr from the west(alpine elevations) with overnight lows around -10. Tomorrow's winds will increase throughout the day and max out at 50km/hr and still from the west. Temps will range from -5 at valley bottom to -10 in the alpine.
Avalanche Summary
Nothing noted today.
Snowpack Summary
Not much change in the snowpack in terms of new snow. What was noted today was the increase in alpine winds. By the end of the day there was ongoing transport in most alpine areas. Windslabs remain the most significant problem in gullies. They may be growing in thickness, and becoming more reactive as they become stiffer.
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.