Expect storm slabs to be most reactive in wind affected terrain.
Persistent slabs sitting on a weak layer of surface hoar have been most reactive at treeline and below.
Be aware of the potential for remote triggering and large avalanches due to buried surface hoar, especially at treeline and below.
Expect storm slabs to be most reactive in wind affected terrain.
On Tuesday, several naturally triggered wind slabs up to size 3 were reported on north and east aspects at treeline and above.
Numerous rider triggered, large persistent slabs have been reported on all aspects and elevations over the past five days.
On Saturday, a rider triggered a large (size 2.5) persistent slab avalanche near Whitewater. It occurred on a northeast aspect at treeline. See MIN for details.
20 cm of recent snow and variable strong winds have formed wind slabs on a variety of aspects. Wind slabs formation has been extensive, even forming slabs in open areas below treeline.
In the top 100 cm of the snowpack, there are multiple concerning weak layers of surface hoar and/or crusts/facets.
The majority of recent persistent slab avalanches have been on well-preserved surface hoar in sheltered areas at treeline and below.
The mid and lower snowpack are well settled.
Thursday Night
Cloudy. 10 to 20 cm of snow. 60 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.
Friday
Cloudy. 3 to 15 cm of snow. 50 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.
Saturday
Sunny. 25 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.
Sunday
Sunny. 25 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
