Wind slabs are found on atypical south to west slopes due to strong northeast wind. The consequence of being caught in an avalanche is even higher during cold weather.
Strong northeast wind formed wind slabs on atypical south to west slopes. These slabs could linger longer than usual due to cold weather. Assess for slabs in steep terrain prior to committing.
A layer of large, weak facets sits near the base of the snowpack. The consequence of triggering this layer would be high. You are most likely to trigger this layer on thin, shallow, rocky slopes.
Numerous small to large (size 1 to 2) storm and wind slab avalanches were observed, likely releasing within the past few days.
Looking forward, we anticipate that the northeast wind is forming wind slabs that could be triggered by riders on south to west slopes. These slopes are atypical for a wind slab problem so use caution when in wind exposed terrain.
Strong northeast wind is redistributing the 40 to 80 cm of recent storm snow into wind slabs on southerly slopes. Very cold weather may allow for these slabs to linger for longer than is typical.
The mid-pack is gaining strength and consists of rounding facets and decomposing melt-freeze crusts.
A weak layer of large and weak facets is found near the base of the snowpack. The latest observed avalanche was in early February. Although the likelihood of triggering this layer is low, the consequence of doing so would be high. This layer is most likely to be human-triggered in thin, rocky slopes at alpine and upper treeline elevations.
Tuesday Night
Clear skies with no precipitation, 40 km/h northeast wind, treeline temperature -27 °C.
Wednesday
Clear skies with no precipitation, 40 km/h northeast wind, treeline temperature -29 °C.
ThursdayPartly cloudy with no precipitation, 50 km/h northeast wind, treeline temperature -30 °C.
FridayIncreasing clouds with afternoon snowfall, trace accumulation, 50 km/h west wind, treeline temperature - 20 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
