Wind Slabs
N
NE
E
SE
S
SW
W
NW
- Alpine
- Treeline
- Below treeline
- Likelihood
- Unlikely - Possible
- Size
- 1–2
New snow and moderate variable winds have built wind slabs in immediate lee features in the alpine.
Avalanche forecast
View on mapKootenay Boundary
Apr 5 – 6, 2024Avalanche Canada
Archived · expired 2 years ago
Avalanche danger
Sun
Mon
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
Highlights
Wind slabs, formed by northerly winds, can be found on lee features in the alpine and may not bond well to a recently formed crust. Use caution as you transition into wind-affected areas.
Avalanche problems
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches were reported.
Isolated wind slabs may be possible to human-trigger. The most likely terrain is directly lee of high spots and ridge features.
Snowpack Summary
10 to 15 cm of new snow has accumulated and may become moist with rising freezing levels and periods of sun. This new snow sits over a surface crust on all aspects and elevations.
A persistent weak layer of facets sits on top of a second buried crust down 80 to 180 cm. This layer is unlikely to be human-triggered in areas where a thick crust above the weak layer is present.
Weather Summary
Friday Night
Mostly cloudy with isolated flurries, 1 to 2 cm of snow. 10 to 15 km/h east ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2° C.
Saturday
Cloudy with flurries, 5 to 10 cm. 15 to 20 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2° C. Freezing level 2000 m.
Sunday
Partly cloudy with isolated flurries 1 to 2 cm, 10 to 15 km/h ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0° C. Freezing level 2000 m.
Monday
Mostly clear skies, 20 to 30 km/h southwest wind. Treeline temperature 0° C. Freezing level 2000 m.
Check out the Mountain Weather Forecast for additional weather information.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Wind slabs may be poorly bonded to the underlying crust.
- Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.