Confidence
Fair - Due to the number of field observations
Weather Forecast
Arctic air continues to dominate the region as it pushes south. Freezing levels will remain at valley bottom. Temperatures in the alpine are reaching -12 to -15c during the day around 2000 M with alpine temperatures considerably colder. Winds continue from the north light to occasionally moderate. No significant precipitation in the forecast, although there may be some cloud cover with light flurries in the next few days.
Avalanche Summary
Wind slab avalanche activity has recently been observed in the alpine up to size 2. Be suspect of all wind loaded pockets.
Snowpack Summary
Snow depths are highly variable throughout the region. Reports suggest there is 120 to 150cm of snow at tree line elevations. Terrain below tree line is reported to be mostly below threshold for avalanche activity.The 25-45cm of snow that fell during the last storm is bonding to old surfaces, though much of it has been redistributed by strong northerly winds. Wind slabs are a concern on south-facing terrain.There are crusts buried deeper in the snowpack with facets at higher elevations. Worth looking for it if you are digging a pit.
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.