Wind Slabs
N
NE
E
SE
S
SW
W
NW
- Alpine
- Treeline
- Below treeline
- Likelihood
- Possible
- Size
- 1–2
Wind slabs can be found on north facing slopes at higher elevations. Expect reactivity as slabs sit over a crust.
Avalanche forecast
View on mapSea To Sky
Mar 28 – 29, 2024Avalanche Canada
Archived · expired 3 years ago
Avalanche danger
Sat
Sun
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
Highlights
Watch for changing conditions as you shift aspect and elevation.
Expect reactivity in wind affected areas, slabs sit over a crust.
Avalanche problems
Confidence
High
Avalanche Summary
Small rider triggered slabs were reported on Tuesday and Wednesday to size 1.5. Reactivity is expected to linger in wind affected features moving forward.
Snowpack Summary
15-25 cm of recent snow has fallen above a widespread crust layer. The crust likely does not exist on north-facing slopes above 2000 m.
South/southwest winds have redistributed this snow into wind slabs near ridges at treeline and above.
The persistent weak layer that plagued the region for the first half of March is now 150-250 cm deep and no longer a concern.
Weather Summary
Thursday Night
Mostly cloudy with up to 5 cm of snow. 30 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Freezing levels remain above 1000 m.
Friday
A mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries. 10 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.
Saturday
Mostly sunny. 15-30 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 1600 m.
Sunday
Mostly sunny. 30 km/h northwest ridgetop wind with strong gusts. Freezing level rises to 3000 m by afternoon, bringing treeline temperatures to +10 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Be especially cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- Wind slabs may be poorly bonded to the underlying crust.