Observations have been very limited but wind slabs are expected to be reactive and extra caution is recommended in wind-exposed terrain.
If you're out in the mountains, please consider submitting a MIN and let us know what you're seeing.
Wind slabs should be anticipated on all aspects in exposed terrain due to recent variable winds with ongoing light snow accumulations. The possibility of strong winds means that wind slabs could be found further down slopes than typically expected.
No new avalanches have been reported recently but observations have been very limited.
Continue to support your backcountry community and please consider submitting a MIN report.
Variable winds over the past few days may have formed new wind slabs on all aspects. A variety of surfaces can be found in the alpine including new wind slabs, old hard slabs, wind scouring, a crust, and even exposed ground. In areas that are protected from the wind, up to 20 cm of low-density faceted snow can be found at the surface.
The height of the snowpack is variable. In areas lee of the prevailing wind, depths of up to 150 cm can be found. At the lower elevation treeline terrain, snow depths decrease and are estimated at 60-90 cm.
A weak storm system is expected to impact the region Sunday night into Monday.
Sunday night
Snowfall 5-15 cm, moderate to strong SE-S wind, treeline low around -16 °C.
Monday
Snowfall 4-8 cm, moderate to strong SE-S wind, treeline high around -12 °C.
Tuesday
Mainly cloudy with lingering flurries in the morning and a chance of sunny breaks in the afternoon, moderate S wind, treeline high around -10 °C.
Wednesday
Mainly cloudy with a chance of sunny breaks, light to moderate SW wind, treeline high around -10 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
