Assess the bond between wind slabs and the underlying crust before committing to steep terrain.
Strong sun could increase the likelihood of both natural and human-triggered avalanches.
Recent snowfall, accompanied by strong southwest winds, has formed wind slabs in exposed terrain. These slabs may remain surprisingly reactive due to an underlying crust.
In the past week, numerous natural and rider-triggered wind slabs up to size 2 have been reported with windy and stormy conditions.
Wind slab reactivity has persisted longer than usual due to poor bond to the crust below.
Up to 10 cm of recent snowfall overlies wind-affected surfaces and wind slabs, found primarily on north through to east aspects.
The 10 to 15 cm thick crust that formed as a result of the recent atmospheric river event is found down 40 to 60 cm. This crust extends up to at least 1500 m in the north and 2000 m in the south. Moist snow is found beneath this crust.
The early February crust is found at depths of 100 to 160 cm. This layer is not currently a concern.
The remainder of the snowpack is generally well settled and bonded.
Sunday Night
Partly cloudy. 2 to 5 cm of snow. 20 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -11 °C.
Monday
Mix of sun and clouds. 1 cm of snow. 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -11 °C.
Tuesday
Mix of sun and clouds. 1 cm of snow. 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.
Wednesday
Mostly cloudy. 1 to 3 cm of snow. 20 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
