Reactive wind slabs are forming in areas affected by strong south winds.
Seek out wind-sheltered terrain for the safest riding conditions.
Wind slabs have formed and are forming over old, hard snow and faceted surfaces, and are unlikely to bond quickly. Slabs may be found on a variety of aspects due to the variable direction of recent wind.
Already large cornices are expected to keep growing as mild temperatures, wind, and snow continue. If they fail, they could trigger a large avalanche on the slope below.
Recent reports have been limited to size 1 wind slabs.
Observations in this region are limited. Please post any photos or observations to the MIN if you head out.
Variable winds have created hard surfaces, with wind loading and scouring on most aspects. Pockets of wind slab sit over older wind-pressed snow or facets.
Up to 70 cm of light density has been reported in wind sheltered treeline areas and is available for wind transport.
A mid-February crust or facet layer sits 50 to 70 cm deep, and is more prominent on north aspects in White pass and can found on all aspects in the Haines pass. The late January crust is buried 50 to 100 cm deep below 1350 m, with surface hoar above on sheltered north to east aspects.
Facets or depth hoar exist at the base of the snowpack and may be a concern in the inland side of the region, where the snowpack is generally shallower.
Friday Night
Mostly cloudy. 4 to 15 cm of snow. 70 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C.
Saturday
Mostly cloudy. 3 to 5 cm of snow. 50 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.
Sunday
Mostly cloudy. 5 to 10 cm of snow. 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.
Monday
Mostly cloudy. 2 to 5 cm of snow. 20 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -11 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
