Expected wind could cause complex loading patterns in exposed areas due to reverse loading.
Seek out slopes with soft snow and no slab characteristics for the safest riding.
Sustained wind will likely develop new wind slabs in leeward terrain features at upper elevations. Use ridges or ribs to avoid areas of wind-loaded snow where human triggering is most likely.
No new avalanche was reported, but field observations remain limited. Sunday, several natural wind slabs (size 1-1.5) were observed on easterly aspects at treeline in the McGregor range.
If you are heading into the backcountry, please consider sharing your observations via the Mountain Information Network.
55 to 80 cm of recent snow overlies a prominent hard crust formed in mid-December that extends up to 1800 m near the Pine Pass area, and up to 2000 m near Highway 16. Continued wind has redistributed the recent snow in exposed terrain at treeline and in the alpine.
A layer of surface hoar, facets, and/or a crust may be found buried around 120-140 cm deep. This layer has been observed to be gaining strength and is now even less likely to be triggered where bridged by the recent crust.
In thin snowpack areas, faceted grains or depth hoar may exist at the base of the snowpack.
Tuesday Night
Mostly cloudy. 30 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -18 °C.
Wednesday
Mostly cloudy. 50 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -18 °C.
Thursday
Cloudy. 2 to 5 cm of snow. 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -16 °C.
Friday
Cloudy. Up to 2 cm of snow. 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -18 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
