Northwest Inland

Wind slabs in high elevation terrain are the main concern.

There was no avalanche activity reported on Wednesday or Thursday.

On Tuesday there was size 3 natural persistent slab avalanche reported on Hudson Bay Mountain on a northerly aspect in the alpine. It was suspected to be triggered by intense wind-loading. Read this MIN post for more details.

Approximately 10 to 15 cm of new snow has buried a widespread crust. Strong winds earlier this week have likely scoured surfaces down to the crust in most windward-facing terrain while forming deeper deposits of snow in lee terrain.

Previously problematic layers deeper in the snowpack appear to have bonded and strengthened, however, there is a low likelihood that they could remain a risk in steep, north-facing, alpine terrain.

Friday Night

Mainly clear. 10 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C. Freezing level 1000 m.

Saturday

Mostly cloudy with 1 to 2 cm of snow. 20 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1400 m.

Sunday

Mostly cloudy with 1 to 3 cm of snow. 30 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 1300 m.

Monday

Mostly cloudy with 3 to 8 cm of snow. 30 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Start with conservative lines and watch for clues of instability.
• Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
• Brief periods of sun could quickly initiate natural avalanche activity.