Wind Slabs
- Alpine
- Treeline
- Below treeline
- Likelihood
- Possible
- Size
- 1–2
Forecasted snowfall and strong wind will create new slabs. Expected them to be reactive to human triggers, especially in freshly wind-loaded and cross-loaded terrain features.
Wind slabs are most reactive during their formation and rider-triggering is the main concern.
Seek out slopes with soft snow and no slab characteristics for the safest riding.
Forecasted snowfall and strong wind will create new slabs. Expected them to be reactive to human triggers, especially in freshly wind-loaded and cross-loaded terrain features.
No new avalanche was reported.
On Sunday, explosive control work in alpine terrain around Big White produced several wind slabs (size 1.5) on north-to east-facing aspects with one persistent slab (size 2) that stepped down to the November crust.
30 to 50 cm of recent snow overlies a prominent crust formed in mid-December that extends up to 2200 m. In open areas at treeline and above, this snow has been redistributed by southerly wind.
In the upper snowpack, several other crust layers may exist. In the mid-snowpack, a faceted crust from mid-November can be found.
The snowpack depth is around 100 cm, tapering with elevation below 1500 m.
Tuesday Night
Partly cloudy. 30 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.
Wednesday
Cloudy. 10 to 15 cm of snow. 60 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level at 1500 m.
Thursday
Mostly cloudy. 5 of snow. 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.
Friday
Mostly cloudy. 10 to 15 cm of snow. 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.