Wind Slabs
- Alpine
- Treeline
- Below treeline
- Likelihood
- Possible
- Size
- 1–2
Wind slabs could linger in steep, lee terrain features at high elevations. The wind howled from the south to east, so expect to find them predominantly on west to north aspects.
A warming trend will weaken cornices and snow on sun-exposed slopes during the heat of the day. Wind slabs may linger at high elevations.
Wind slabs could linger in steep, lee terrain features at high elevations. The wind howled from the south to east, so expect to find them predominantly on west to north aspects.
Cornices are large and looming. A warming trend and sunny skies will weaken cornices, increasing the likelihood of them releasing naturally or from the weight of a person.
Wet loose avalanche activity is most likely above around 1200 m, as the recent snow moistens from daytime warming. Use caution on sun-exposed slopes during the heat of the day.
MONDAY NIGHT: Partly cloudy, 10 km/h northwest wind, treeline temperature -4 C.
TUESDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, 10 km/h west wind, treeline temperature -2 C, freezing level rising to 1000 m.
WEDNESDAY: Mostly cloudy, 20 to 40 km/h south wind, treeline temperature 0 C, freezing level 1500 m.
THURSDAY: Cloudy with snow or rain, accumulation 10 to 20 cm, 40 to 60 km/h south wind, treeline temperature 0 C, freezing level 1400 m.
We haven't yet received word of avalanche activity from Sunday's storm, but it is likely that storm slabs and wind slabs were triggerable on Sunday and Monday. Looking forward, wind slabs could still be triggered by riders in steep terrain at high elevations. Sun-exposed slopes and cornices will weaken with daytime warming.
Wind slabs may linger in steep, lee terrain features at treeline and alpine elevations from Sunday's 20 cm of snow with strong south to east wind. On sun-exposed slopes above 1200 m, this recent snow will weaken with daytime heating, particularly on sun-exposed slopes. Below 1200 m, a wet snowpack or a hard melt-freeze crust will be found. Along ridgelines, cornices are large and will weaken with daytime heating.