Strong northeasterly winds have reverse loaded slopes below alpine ridgetops. Recently formed wind slabs may be reactive to human triggers.
Use high points in the terrain such as ridges or ribs to avoid areas of wind-loaded snow.
Recent strong northeasterly winds have formed wind slabs on lee aspects below ridgetops.
Use high points in the terrain such as ridges or ribs to avoid areas of wind-loaded snow.
Tuesday night: Mostly clear / Moderate east wind / Low of -17 / Freezing level valley bottom.
Wednesday: Mix of sun and cloud / Light east wind / High of -5 / Freezing level 800 m.
Thursday: Sunny / Light southeast wind / High of -3 / Freezing level 1100 m.
Friday: Mix of sun and cloud / Light west wind / High of -2 / Freezing level 1300 m.
On Monday, a skier triggered cornice failure triggered a small wind slab on the slope below. Additionally, a couple skier triggered size 1 wind slabs were reported on northwest aspects.
10-20 cm of recent snow sits on a melt-freeze crust that exists on all aspects to at least 2200 m and up to mountain tops on solar aspects.
Recent strong northeasterly winds have formed wind slabs on lee aspects below ridgetops.
The prominent layer in the upper snowpack is a melt-freeze crust down 40-80 cm.
Cornices are very large and exposure to slopes beneath them should be minimized, especially if the weather is sunny, warm, or windy.
