Continued winds may build isolated wind slabs over a weak layer of surface hoar, crust, or facets along ridge crests.
Assess start zones for wind slabs before stepping out into steep terrain.
Strong, southerly winds have been moving new snow and surface facets that have likely formed small wind slabs in isolated locations along ridges.
Slabs may be building over a layer of surface hoar and crust, making them more reactive.
No new avalanches have been reported in the past week.
There are few observations from this region. If you are getting out, please share observations like weather and riding conditions to the Mountain Information Network.
1 to 5 cm of new snow may sit over a widespread crust from mid January. This crust has begun to soften recently into surface facets in shady areas, improving ski quality. Strong southerly winds have been redistributing softer snow forming small wind slabs along ridgelines and steep terrain. Continued winds have stripped exposed alpine ridges back to hard, old surfaces and rock.
A layer of spotty surface hoar has grown on top of the crust in sheltered areas away from the wind. Forecasted warming is likely to break down these crystals below treeline.
The mid-December facet/crust layer is buried approximately 80 cm deep.
Check out this MIN from Core Lodge for more details.
Thursday Night
Partly cloudy. 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1300 m.
Friday
Mostly cloudy. 1 to 5 cm of snow at treeline. 70 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 1600 m.
Saturday
Mix of sun and clouds. 1 cm of snow. 60 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.
Sunday
Mix of sun and clouds. 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 3 °C. Freezing level 2200 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
