Carefully assess conditions and look for signs of instability.
We feel confident in the likelihood of wind slabs but uncertain in the likelihood of persistent slabs.
Wind slabs are expected to remain rider triggerable in steep, leeward terrain. They may be found farther downslope than expected due to strong winds.
Several weak layers in the snowpack could be rider triggerable. These layers are most likely to be triggered in sheltered terrain.
Over the weekend a few small natural, wind slabs were reported. Observations have been limited in this region, we suspect that more avalanche activity has occurred. If you’re headed into the mountains please consider filling out a Mountain Information Network report.
Up to 15 cm of new snow accompanied by strong to extreme southwest wind has formed deeper deposits on north and east aspects. In sheltered terrain it could overlie a layer of surface hoar or a sun crust. The snow surface may become moist on sun exposed slopes.
Several weak layers comprised of facets, surface hoar, or crusts could exist in the top 20 to 60 cm of the snowpack.
The mid and lower snowpack are well settled.
Monday Night
Partly cloudy. 50 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.
Tuesday
Sunny. 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C.
Wednesday
Mostly sunny. 1 to 2 cm of snow. 60 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C.
Thursday
Mostly cloudy. 4 to 5 cm of snow. 70 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
