Outflow winds continue this week. There is uncertainty on the distribution and sensitivity of wind slabs. If you venture out in the frigid conditions, best to look for soft snow in sheltered terrain.
Strong outflow winds have stripped away snow in exposed terrain. Pockets of wind slabs may still exist in lee terrain features and they could be reactive to human traffic.
MONDAY NIGHT: Clear skies, light to moderate northeast wind, alpine temperature -25 C.
TUESDAY: Clear skies, light to moderate northeast wind, alpine temperature -25 C.
WEDNESDAY: Clear skies, moderate northeast wind, alpine temperature -22 C.
THURSDAY: Clear skies, strong northeast wind, alpine temperature -22 C.
There have been no reports of avalanche activity in the past few days.
Strong northeast wind has prevailed since late last week, stripping away snow in exposed terrain and depositing it in lee terrain features. Isolated wind slabs may still be found.
Snow depths at White Pass average around 150 cm; deeper locations (higher terrain west of the highway) have as much as 200 cm. It's reasonable to expect a thin snowpack with sugary facets in the Wheaton Valley, although we don't yet have observations to confirm this.
