Microwave-Sinclair

With small amounts of snow accumulating at higher elevations, wind slab formation is likely ongoing.

High

• We have a good understanding of the snowpack structure and confidence in the weather forecast.

While recent observations have been limited, this MIN reported very small, 5 to 15 cm deep pockets of wind-loaded snow that were reactive atop the recently formed crust.

Be sure to post your observations to the MIN if you get out; they are a big help!

A widespread, supportive crust is present across most terrain, except for some high-alpine areas. Since the weekend, southerly winds have redistributed trace amounts of recent snow into 10 to 20 cm pockets at higher elevations, while other areas have been scoured down to the crust.

In sheltered terrain around treeline elevations, surface hoar may sit atop the crust, buried by a light dusting of snow.

The mid and lower snowpack have no current layers of concern.

Snow depths are roughly 150 to 200 cm at treeline.

Monday Night
Mostly cloudy. Up to 5 cm of snow. 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C.

Tuesday
Mostly cloudy. Trace amounts of snow. 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.

Wednesday
Mostly cloudy. Trace amounts of snow. 50 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C.

Thursday
Mostly cloudy. Up to 3 cm of snow. 60 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
• Avalanche activity is unlikely when a thick melt-freeze crust is present on the snow surface.