Northerly winds may form wind slabs in atypical areas and at lower elevations than you might expect.
Cold exposure is a major concern for backcountry travelers (read more in this blog).
Winds have shifted to the north and may be redistributing the recent storm snow into fresh, reactive slabs in a reverse-loading pattern and at lower elevations than is typical.
On Monday, storm snow was reactive to skier traffic. See these MINs from Mystery Peak and Mt Strachan.
A widespread natural avalanche cycle occurred overnight on Monday in the North Shore Mountains. Storm slabs were failing 30 cm deep on all aspects up to size 2.
Looking forward to Thursday, winds will shift around to the northwest as arctic air invades the region. Fresh, reactive wind slabs may form in a reverse-loading pattern and at lower elevations than is typical.
40 to 60 cm of recent storm snow was accompanied by strong westerly winds. In the North Shore Mountains, a crust exists down 5 cm from a rain event near the end of the storm. This overlies 50-80 cm of snow over a crust and a well-settled snowpack.
The last few storms have brought winter to the North Shore Mountains, and lower-elevation areas may reach the threshold for avalanches.
Wednesday Night
Mainly clear with cloudy periods and no new snow. Northerly outflow winds 50 to 80 km/h. Treeline temperatures drop to -10 C.
Thursday
A mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries. Northerly winds 30 to 50 km/h. Treeline temperatures drop to -17 C.
Friday
Mainly sunny with no new snow. Northerly winds 30 to 50 km/h. Treeline temperatures drop to -22 C.
Saturday
Mainly sunny with no new snow. Northerly winds 20 to 40 km/h. Treeline temperatures around -15 C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
