Sunny skies may provide temptation to go for bigger objectives but caution is necessary - cold temperatures and reverse loading from northerly winds require diligent decision-making.
Weather Forecast
Sunny but cold today, alpine temperatures will be around -20C. Ridge winds northeast 10-20 km/h. Be prepared for the unexpected - carry extra warm clothes and plan to be out well before dark. By Thursday clouds will move in, bringing milder temps and some snow.
Snowpack Summary
Mod to strong northerly winds from the last few days have formed wind slabs below ridge crests (reverse loading), although older wind slabs on northerly aspects are still present. The Dec 18 facet layer is down 80cm and the Nov 13 crust is down 1.5 - 2 metres.
Avalanche Summary
Yesterday, four size 1.5 wind slab avalanches were observed in Glacier Park; three on the west aspect of Avalanche Crest and one on a north aspect triggered by a cornice. Of note at a nearby touring operation, two size 3.0 avalanches on a south aspect that initially started as wind slab avalanches, stepped down to the mid November layer.
Confidence
Due to the number of field observations
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.