Wind slabs remain the primary hazard in our snowpack. If snowfall amounts are more than forecast the hazard will increase. Good skiing was found today on sheltered N and E aspects near Cameron Lake.
Weather Forecast
Continued Moderate to Strong NW to W winds over the next few days with light snow accumulations. Freezing levels are forecast to rise to 1400m during the day but drop back down for night.
Snowpack Summary
Moderate to strong west winds creating soft and hard slabs in open areas. These wind slabs appear to be bonding well to the previous surfaces. Sun crust on South aspects. In shallow snowpack areas the hard slabs over the basal facets are still a concern in steep and/or confined terrain. No other significant shears found in the snowpack.
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanche activity has been observed in the last few days.
Confidence
Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain
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.