Be wary of wind slabs in steep terrain features. Also note that recent snow may sit on a weak layer at lower elevations.
Wind slabs may be found in steep, wind-exposed terrain. They may be found on all aspects due to variable wind directions. They may be particularly touchy where they sit on a layer of surface hoar crystals.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 2 to 5 cm, 40 km/h northwest wind, alpine temperature -14 C.
THURSDAY: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 5 cm, 40 km/h west wind, alpine temperature -14 C.
FRIDAY: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 20 to 40 cm, 60 to 80 km/h southwest wind, alpine temperature -5 C.
SATURDAY: Early-morning snowfall then clearing, accumulation 10 to 20 cm, 60 to 80 km/h west wind, alpine temperature -6 C, freezing level 1300 m.
The recent snow has been most reactive as either wind slabs in exposed terrain at higher elevations or as loose dry avalanches in sheltered terrain. Most avalanches were small and found on all aspects.
Looking forward to the coming days, wind slabs may remain touchy to riders. Slabs at and below treeline are expected to become touchy once the snow settles and forms a cohesive slab and where it sits on the surface hoar described in the snowpack summary. This may occur with an upcoming storm forecast for Friday and into the weekend.
Around 15 to 30 cm of recent snow has been blown into wind slabs in terrain exposed to the wind at higher elevations. Wind slabs may be found on all aspects due to variable wind directions. In sheltered terrain, the snow may sit above a weak layer of surface hoar crystals. So far, reports suggest that the snow hasn't formed slab properties, except where it has been affected by wind. We've received indication that the surface hoar is likely most prominent in sheltered openings at and below treeline but could extend into the alpine. Example terrain features include the lee side of protected ridges, openings in the trees, cut blocks, and burns. The snow may sit on a hard melt-freeze crust on steep sun-exposed slopes.
The lower snowpack is generally strong and well-bonded. The base of the snowpack is expected to be weak and faceted in shallow, rocky slopes east of the divide.
