Triggering wind slab avalanches in loaded lee areas remains possible.
Use conservative group management, and avoid areas where the surface has been stiffened by the wind.
Although cold temperatures have taken some of the energy out of the recent snowfall, Southerly winds have formed slabs in exposed areas of the alpine and at treeline.
There is evidence of reactive wind slabs in exposed areas in the alpine and at treeline. Although the natural avalanche cycle has slowed, riders are getting surprised. Check out this MIN report.
There was a cycle of natural avalanche activity in steep open terrain Thursday night and through the day Friday. These were mostly size 1.5-2.5, with a few size 3s from Mt. Tupper and Mt. MacDonald.
Another 20-30cms of low density snow fell Friday building fresh storm slabs, especially in the alpine and open tree line areas where new snow has been redistributed by SW winds.
The mid and lower snowpack are generally strong. There are a couple of crusts buried over a meter deep at Treeline and and below, but these have not shown signs of reactivity in our area recently.
The ridge of high pressure begins to break down today, but little moisture will make it inland for several more days.
Tonight Mainly cloudy. Alpine Low -12°C. Ridge wind SW-25km/h.
Mon Mainly cloudy, isolated flurries. High -5°C. Wind SW-20km/h.
Tue Sunny periods. High -1 °C. Wind SW-20km/h. Freezing level (FZL)1500m.
Wed Mix sun/cloud. High 0°C. Wind SW-15km/h. FZL 1800m.
