Clearwater

Assess for small wind slabs before committing to steep or extreme terrain.

Wind slabs may be reactive due to the underlying surface hoar.

Moderate

• We are uncertain whether the wind will be enough to form new wind slabs.

There have been no new avalanches reported in over a week.

By Thursday afternoon 5 to 10 cm of snow could overlie the late January surface hoar/crust layer. This new snow will be accompanied by southwest wind meaning that the crust will likely remain on the surface on southerly aspects and deeper deposits will be found on north and east aspects. The surface hoar is largest on sheltered treeline and below treeline features.

The mid and lower snowpack is well settled.

Wednesday Night
Mostly cloudy. 1 to 2 cm of snow. 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.

Thursday
Cloudy. 1 to 3 cm of snow. 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C.

Friday
Cloudy. 10 to 15 cm of snow. 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C.

Saturday
Mix of sun and clouds. 1 to 4 cm of snow. 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Wind slabs are isolated, but may remain reactive.
• Pay attention to isolated wind affected features in the alpine, as well as cross-loaded features at treeline.
• Make observations and continually assess conditions as you travel.