Expect to find wind slabs in atypical terrain due to northeast wind. The day will progressively warm up and the sun could moisten snow on sun-exposed slopes and weaken cornices.
Wind from variable directions has likely formed wind slabs on all aspects. The most recent wind has been from the northeast, meaning you may find wind slabs in atypical terrain features. Fresh slabs could form quickly on Saturday with new snowfall in the south of the region. Use caution as you enter wind-affected terrain.
The snowpack will undergo a rapid change as the freezing level rises and clear skies prevail. For Sunday, loose wet avalanche activity is most likely during the heat of the day on sun-exposed slopes. Cornices will also weaken with the warming trend.
In the north of the region (e.g. Duffey, Hurley, Goldbridge), a deep persistent weak layer of faceted grains near the ground presents a lingering concern on steep, shallow slopes in the alpine. The likelihood of triggering this layer may increase over the coming days with an increasing freezing level.
SATURDAY NIGHT: Clear skies, moderate northeast wind, alpine temperature -18 C.
SUNDAY: Clear skies, moderate to strong northeast wind, alpine temperature -9 C, freezing level rising to 1000 m.
MONDAY: Clear skies, light to moderate north wind, alpine temperature 0 C, freezing level 2100 m.
TUESDAY: Clear skies, light to moderate northeast wind, alpine temperature -1 C, freezing level 1800 m.
No new avalanches were observed on Friday and there were no reports available for Saturday. A naturally-triggered wind slab avalanche was observed on Thursday, as seen in this MIN.
It will remain possible for humans to trigger wind slab avalanches. Loose wet avalanche activity and cornice falls could also be triggered with the warming trend.
A major warming trend is forecast for the coming days, which could rapidly weaken the snowpack and cornices. Wind slabs may be found on all aspects due to variable wind directions. Recent wind has blown from the northeast, forming fresh wind slabs in south to southwest terrain features at higher elevations. In sheltered terrain, about 30 cm of snow may overly a melt-freeze crust and potentially small surface hoar crystals in isolated features.
In the northern part of the region (i.e., Duffey/Hurley/Gold Bridge), a deep instability may linger at the base of the snowpack. It has not produced an avalanche since February 17th. Human-triggering is unlikely, though if one were to trigger the layer, it would likely be in a thin, shallow, rocky spot. A large load, such as from a cornice fall, or sustained warm air temperature have the potential to trigger this layer.
