South Coast Inland

Assess for wind slabs before committing to steep lines.

SUNDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with snowfall then clearing, accumulation 2 to 5 cm, 20 to 40 km/h northeast wind, alpine temperature -10 C.

MONDAY: Mostly clear skies with no precipitation, 10 to 20 km/h northeast wind, alpine temperature -9 C.

TUESDAY: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 2 to 5 cm, 20 km/h northeast wind, alpine temperature -9 C.

WEDNESDAY: Mostly cloudy with isolated flurries, accumulation 1 to 3 cm, 10 km/h northeast wind, alpine temperature -9 C.

A few small loose avalanches were observed out of steep terrain on Sunday. Otherwise, no recent avalanches were reported.

Looking forward, wind slabs could be triggered by riders out of steep terrain. Use caution on sun-exposed slopes and near cornices during the heat of the day, when resulting avalanches are more likely.

10 to 20 cm of dry, wind-affected snow sits above a hard melt-freeze crust in the alpine. Wind slabs could form in lee terrain features in the alpine from strong northeast wind. A surface melt-freeze crust is found at treeline and below, which may moisten during daytime heating.

Various melt-freeze crusts exist in the upper to middle snowpack. There are no deeper concerns at this time.

• Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.
• Minimize exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes, especially when the solar radiation is strong.
• Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
• When a thick, melt-freeze surface crust is present, avalanche activity is unlikely.