Avalanche Forecast

A few naturally triggered wind slabs up to size 2 were observed in steep Alpine terrain on SE aspects on Sunday. These slabs averaged 30cm deep and appeared to have occurred in the past 24 to 48hrs.

Wide variety of surface conditions depending on aspect and elevation. These include sastrugi, hard wind slab, soft wind slab, breakable sun crust, and limited quantities of soft snow in sheltered locations. Recent storm snow is being redistributed by strong winds in the Alpine. Fresh surface wind slabs averaging 30cm deep are forming in lee and cross-loaded terrain at upper elevations. The Jan 24th surface layer is now buried 35 to 50cm and is giving hard resistant planar shear test results. The deep persistent layer of the November rain crust is being monitored, but likely only triggerable in shallow snowpack areas.

Tuesday will bring mild temperatures of -3c in the Alpine. Winds will be in the moderate range coming from the NW. Snow amounts are expected to be in the 1-4cm. Freezing level is expected to be around 2100m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
• Be alert to conditions that change with elevation, aspect, and exposure to wind.
• Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where even small avalanches may have severe consequences.
• Avoid sun-exposed slopes, especially if the snow surface is moist or wet.