If you're getting out in the extreme cold, remember that freezing temperatures make for higher consequences.
Watch for isolated pockets of lingering wind slabs in places you might not expect them.
Isolated pockets of wind slabs may exist in the alpine and upper treeline elevations due to reverse loading created by strong outflow winds. In frigid temperatures, slabs may take longer than usual to heal and bond to the snow below them. Avoid wind-loaded features during this time of continuous strong north winds.
No avalanches have been reported in these areas. This is likely due to the shallow snowpack limiting riding opportunities for the time being. If you venture into the backcountry, please consider submitting a MIN report, as it helps to strengthen our data gathering.
The snowpack is generally highly wind-affected, resulting in a wide variation in snowpack depths. Ridges and high points at upper elevations have been scoured, while deep loaded pockets on isolated slopes are up to 150 cm. In protected spots, there could be 10-15 cm of now-faceted snow over the top crust, but in most spots, that crust is exposed and rough. Treeline snow depth range from 60 to 90 cm.
A little blip passes through the area Wednesday, with a chance of light snow. A bitterly cold arctic air mass will persist Thursday, with gusty outflow winds and dangerous wind chill values. A change in the weather pattern is expected for the weekend.
Tuesday night
Mainly clear skies. Ice fog. Northeast winds at 20 km/h at ridge tops. Temperatures near -35˚C with the wind chill making it feel like -45˚C.
Wednesday
Cloudy. Flurries 2 cm. Northeast winds at 20 km/h at ridge tops. Temperatures near -28˚C with the wind chill making it feel like -40˚C.
Thursday
Partly cloudy. No precipitation. Northeast winds at 40 km/h at ridge tops. Temperatures near -32˚C with the wind chill making it feel like -45˚C.
Friday
Snow 5 cm. Northerly winds at 20 km/h at ridge tops. Temperatures near -32˚C with the wind chill making it feel like -45˚C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
