Wind Slabs
- Alpine
- Treeline
- Below treeline
- Likelihood
- Likely
- Size
- 1–1.5
Last week's storm snow, and previous strong winds have formed isolated wind slabs at upper elevations. Some northerly winds may have loaded southerly slopes more than usual.
It is Spring time. High freezing levels and sunny skies will create unstable conditions in the afternoon when the day warms up. Start and end your day early.
Last week's storm snow, and previous strong winds have formed isolated wind slabs at upper elevations. Some northerly winds may have loaded southerly slopes more than usual.
Higher freezing levels and lots of solar radiation will result in loose wet avalanches out of steeper terrain.
A skier-triggered wind slab was reported on Mount Aberdeen on Saturday.
Solar input began to break down southerly aspects on Saturday. As heating continues, we expect an increase in avalanche activity over the next few days.
North aspects hold previously wind-affected dry snow. On solar aspects, a new crust is expected to form overnight up to ridgetop. With continued daytime heating over the next few days, solar aspects and lower-elevation snowpack will weaken and break down. The lower snowpack is generally well settled.
A ridge of high pressure is expected to hold through till Wednesday. Expect strong solar input during the day, leading to rising freezing levels with peak daytime heating. Freezing levels on Sunday are forecast to reach 2500 m, climbing to around 3000 m by Tuesday. Overnight recovery should be decent, with nightly lows near zero.