Douglas Island

Hazard is moderate today for upper and mid elevations, wind slab will continue to be the problem to look out for. Winds are still very strong this morning and are actively transporting snow creating potentially touchy wind slab in areas. Watch for smooth fat looking pockets of snow especially near ridge tops, pockets of wind slab are still possible on most aspects. Cold tremperatures and extremely cold wind chills are another hazard to consider today. 

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A low pressure system moved into the region on 2/19, bringing roughly 8 inches of low-density snow. This snow fell on a mix of existing surfaces, including wind-scoured areas and older wind slabs. The new snow remained largely unconsolidated and was easily sluffing in steeper terrain. Northerly outflow winds increased on 2/20 and 2/21, transporting substantial amounts of snow and forming fresh, reactive wind slabs. Strong outflow winds will continue through the day today, with the strongest gusts of this wind event expected from this morning into the afternoon. A high wind warning remains in effect through 9pm tonight.

Although winds have predominantly been from the north, the way they funnel and shift through the complex mountainous terrain of Douglas Island has created highly variable wind directions and loading patterns. As a result, wind slabs may be present on a wide range of aspects at mid and upper elevations.

After more than 48 hours of sustained strong winds, many areas have been stripped of available snow for transport. In some locations, lighter snow has simply sublimated into the atmosphere, while in others it has been redistributed into dense, reactive slabs. Heightened avalanche conditions exist on specific terrain features where wind slab is present. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully; identify features of concern.