In a sea of wind affected surfaces, lingering wind slabs remain a concern and may be tricky to recognize.
Avoid large open slopes capable of producing large avalanches.
Recently formed wind slabs may be present on unusual aspects and at all elevations. Because of their dense, stubborn nature, and the possibility of a weak layer underneath, they may fracture wider than anticipated and with no warning.
Several size 1-2 rider triggered wind slabs have been reported since Wednesday across a range of aspects at treeline and in alpine elevations. Check out the photos below.
A remotely triggered avalanche on Wednesday indicates these dense new slabs may be sitting over a weak crust/facet layer in some areas.
Wind effect has shaped the snowpack. Most exposed terrain is sastrugi or has been scoured down to old crusts. On sheltered slopes, recently formed wind slabs persist at all elevations.
20 to 40 cm of snow overlies a surface hoar layer in isolated, wind-sheltered terrain features (primarily at treeline and below).
A January crust and facet layer is buried roughly 60 to 120 cm below the surface. Beneath this layer, the remainder of the snowpack is generally well settled and well bonded.
Saturday Night
Partly cloudy. 1 cm of snow. 40 km/h east ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -15 °C.
Sunday
Mostly cloudy. 1 to 2 cm of snow. 30 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -15 °C.
Monday
Mostly sunny. 3 cm of snow. 20 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.
Tuesday
Mostly cloudy. 1 to 5 cm of snow. 50 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
