Wind Slabs
N
NE
E
SE
S
SW
W
NW
- Alpine
- Treeline
- Below treeline
- Likelihood
- Possible
- Size
- 1–2
In areas where there is still snow available for transport, forecast moderate to strong wind may form fresh wind slabs on lee features at treeline and above.
Avalanche forecast
View on mapKootenay Boundary
Dec 26 – 27, 2023Avalanche Canada
Archived · expired 3 years ago
Avalanche danger
Thu
Fri
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
Highlights
Forecast wind may form fresh wind slabs on lee features at treeline and above.
Avoid steep, rocky, and wind affected areas where triggering slabs are more likely.
Avalanche problems
Confidence
High
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches reported on Sunday.
Data in this region is limited. Please consider sharing your observations on the Mountain Information Network (MIN).
Snowpack Summary
10-15 cm of recent snow and strong northwest wind formed wind slabs on lee features in the alpine.
The recent snow is sitting on a hard crust. Below this crust, a weak layer of surface hoar is present in some areas.
A second crust layer is down 40-60 cm.
Average snowpack depths at treeline are 70-130 cm. Snow depth tapers rapidly below treeline.
Weather Summary
Monday Night
Cloudy skies, south alpine wind 40 km/h, treeline temperature -7 °C.
Tuesday
Mostly cloudy, southwest alpine wind 30 km/h, treeline temperature -3 °C.
Wednesday
Mix of sun and cloud, south alpine wind 40 km/h, treeline temperature -3 °C.
Thursday
Cloudy, southwest alpine wind 40 km/h, treeline temperature -1 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- Avoid steep, rocky, and wind effected areas where triggering slabs is more likely.
- Avoid slopes that sound hollow or drum-like.
- Early season avalanches at any elevation have the potential to be particularly dangerous due to obstacles that are exposed or just below the surface.