Recently formed wind slabs will likely be reactive to human triggers and could step-down to deeper weak layers, resulting in large avalanches.
Recently formed wind slabs will likely be reactive to human triggers and could step-down to deeper weak layers, resulting in large avalanches.
MONDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with flurries; 3-5 cm. / Strong, southwest ridgetop wind / alpine low temperature -10 / Freezing level valley bottom.
TUESDAY: Mostly cloudy with isolated flurries; 0-3 cm. / Strong, southwest ridgetop wind / alpine high temperature -6 / Freezing level valley bottom.
WEDNESDAY: Mix of sun and cloud / Moderate, southwest ridgetop wind / alpine high temperature -8 / Freezing level valley bottom.
THURSDAY: Mostly cloudy / Light, southwest ridgetop wind / alpine high temperature -11 / Freezing level valley bottom.
A widespread natural avalanche cycle with numerous avalanches up to size 3 was reported in the White Pass area last week, mostly during the height of the storm (Monday-Wednesday) Check out this MIN report detailing these observations.
Recently formed wind slabs will likely be reactive to human triggers and could step-down to deeper weak layers, resulting in large avalanches.
Observations in this region are very limited, please post your observations to the Mountain Information Network.
10-20 cm of new snow over the weekend and ongoing strong southwesterly winds continue to build fresh wind slabs sitting on top of the widespread storm slabs created last week.
The White Pass area received over 100 cm of new snow last week with strong southwest winds. Total snowpack depth is around 175 cm in sheltered areas around White Pass.
In drier areas such as the Wheaton Valley, total snowpack depths are likely in the 50-100 cm range and are probably quite variable due to wind transport. The base of the snowpack in this area may consist of some weak, sugary facets.
