Wind Slabs
- Alpine
- Treeline
- Below treeline
- Likelihood
- Possible
- Size
- 1–2
The worst of this round of outflow winds has passed, but there is still a lingering chance that a person could trigger an avalanche in wind-loaded terrain. This is becoming less likely as we head into the second day in a row of light winds, but there are likely some slopes where older wind slabs formed on top of weak, facted snow that has developed over the past week. We know there was soft snow on the surface between wind events following the March 6 storm, as noted in this observation from Manitoba last week. Those slopes will remain a concern today, and although the distribution is spotty, it will be important to assess.
Be on the lookout for unstable snow where relatively stiffer snow on the surface sits on top of a layer of softer snow. This setup will most likely exist in upper elevation terrain below ridgelines, convex rolls, and in steep gullies. You may see warning signs like shooting cracks and collapsing, but that won't always be the case even when conditions are unstable. Conditions should be generally stable in terrain that has remained sheltered from the winds this week.
Dry loose avalanches in steep terrain remain likely wherever there is soft snow on the surface. These should be on the smaller side in the Summit Lake zone, but they will be running fast.