Wind slabs may linger at higher elevations. Use caution when entering into lee or cross-loaded terrain features.
Summary
Confidence
High -
Weather Forecast
TUESDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with light snowfall, accumulation 5 cm, moderate to strong southwest winds, freezing level below valley bottom.WEDNESDAY: Cloudy with light snowfall, accumulation 5 to 10 cm, moderate south winds, alpine temperature -6 C, freezing level below valley bottom.THURSDAY: Cloudy with light snowfall, accumulation 5 cm, moderate to strong southwest winds, alpine temperature -4 C, freezing level rising to 1500 m.FRIDAY: Mostly cloudy, light to moderate southwest winds, alpine temperature -3 C, freezing level rising to 2000 m.
Avalanche Summary
A few wind slab avalanches were observed in the region on Monday. They were large (size 2) and were triggered naturally in alpine terrain on northerly aspects.
Snowpack Summary
Wind slabs are reported as being widespread and reactive at treeline and alpine elevations. Below treeline, recent snow is likely settling and gaining strength.There are a few deeper weaknesses in the snowpack. Professionals are still tracking a layer around 150 to 200 cm deep, composed of sugary faceted grains, feathery surface hoar, and a sun crust. The base of the snowpack may also still be composed of weak faceted grains in parts of the region. The likelihood of triggering these deep weak layers is low and would most likely be triggered by humans in areas where the snowpack is shallow.
mconlan,
Avalanche Canada
