Be on the lookout for lingering wind slabs in the alpine. Avoid likely trigger spots such as shallow, rocky, wind affected areas.
Weather Forecast
Wednesday: Cloudy / Light westerly winds / Freezing level around 1100 m. Thursday: Mix of sun and cloud / Light northwesterly winds / Freezing level at valley bottom. Friday: Stormy with 3-5 cm snow / Moderate to strong southwesterly winds / Freezing level around 800 m.
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches were reported on Monday, however, there is currently very limited data for this region. Please report your observations to the Mountain Information Network(MIN).
Snowpack Summary
Observations are very limited in this region. Expect to find wind slabs in wind affected alpine terrain, especially below ridge tops. The crust formed in mid-November is down 60-80 cm. Average snowpack depths at treeline are 70-150 cm with generally less snow in the southern portions of the region. Early season hazards such as stumps, rocks, and open creeks remain the primary hazards below treeline.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.
Storm Slabs
Storm Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer (a slab) of new snow that breaks within new snow or on the old snow surface. Storm-slabs typically last between a few hours and few days (following snowfall). Storm-slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.