Warming may increase the likelihood of persistent slab avalanches, particularly in the White Pass area
Manage the uncertainty by choosing simple terrain, free from overhead hazard
Watch for fresh and reactive slabs forming on north and east facing slopes. Recent winds have varied, old and more stubborn slabs may be found on all aspects depending on local wind patterns.
Below the recent storm snow, a widespread layer of heavily faceted crystals from the prolonged cold temperatures exists. This layer is most likely to be triggered in areas where the snowpack transitions from thick to thin rapidly.
By Tuesday afternoon, 10-20 cm of new snow adds to 40-65 cm of heavily wind-affected snow. The primary concern remains the 70-100 cm of weak facets that make up the lower snowpack.
Snowpack depths vary widely due to wind, but average around 150 cm across the region.
No new avalanches were reported in the last 3 days. Prior, several large wind slabs were reported from around the region.
If you head into the mountains, please share any observations or photos on the Mountain Information Network.
Monday Night
Mostly cloudy. 5 to 10 cm of snow. 40 - 60 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -11 °C.
Tuesday
Mix of sun and clouds. 4 to 10 cm of snow. 40 - 60 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C in White Pass, -10 °C or colder further inland.
Wednesday
Mix of sun and clouds. 2 to 5 cm of snow. 40 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -9 °C.
Thursday
Mix of sun and clouds. 2 to 3 cm of snow. 20 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -18 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
