Be on the lookout for fresh wind slabs created by strong winds in the alpine.
Weather Forecast
FRIDAY: Light snow. / Moderate to strong westerly winds / Freezing level around 1000 m. SATURDAY: Stormy with 5-10 cm snow / Moderate to strong westerly winds / Freezing level around 1000 m. SUNDAY: Mix of sun and cloud / Moderate northwesterly winds / Freezing level valley bottom.
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches were reported on Wednesday, however, there is currently very limited data for this region. Please report your observations to the Mountain Information Network (MIN).
Snowpack Summary
Observations are limited in this region. Old 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.