Assess for lingering wind slabs at high elevations, particularly in south-facing or cross-loaded terrain.
Slabs are most prevalent at alpine elevations. Be aware wind loading may be found near ridgelines or lower on the slope than usual. Watch for crossloading in unusual features like mid slope gullies.
Several natural and explosive-triggered wind slab avalanches were reported over the weekend. In general, all avalanches occurred in reverse-loaded (south-facing) or cross-loaded alpine terrain features. Mostly between size 1 and 2, with one size 3 observation.
If you head into the backcountry, please consider submitting a MIN report.
Recent north winds have had a significant effect on snow surfaces with notable wind slab development observed on south-facing slopes. In sheltered regions, there's a possibility of isolated pockets of surface hoar being buried under 30 to 50 cm of recent snow.
The mid and lower snowpack consists of a few old crusts and is generally well-settled and well-bonded.
Sunday Night
Clear with no precipitation, north alpine winds 10 to 30 km/h, treeline temperature -7 °C.
Monday
Sunny with no precipitation, northwest alpine winds 0 to 20 km/h, treeline temperature -5 °C.
Tuesday
Mostly cloudy with no precipitation, southwest alpine winds 10 to 30 km/h, treeline temperature -5 °C.
Wednesday
Cloudy with 10 to 30 cm of snow, southwest alpine winds 20 to 50 km/h, treeline temperature -7 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
