Check for reactive wind slabs in steep terrain near ridgetops.
These slabs may exist on all aspects due to recent variable wind directions.
Strong wind from various directions has formed wind slabs on slopes adjacent to ridges. Assess for wind effect and slab properties before entering steep terrain.
On Friday, several small, size 1-1.5 wind slabs were triggered by people as well as occurring naturally in various parts of the region.
On Wednesday, two naturally triggered size 1 wind slabs were observed on east aspects at treeline. Several dry loose sluffs were also observed.
Looking forward, it remains possible for riders to trigger similar avalanches.
The region has seen variable wind effects. Some areas have experienced very little wind, while others report a more extensively wind-affected snow surface at upper elevations.
In sheltered terrain, 40 to 60 cm of snow overlies a hard melt-freeze crust from early February. Below this, a layer of surface hoar, facets, and/or crust from late January is buried around 100 cm. Triggering either of these layers is considered unlikely at this time.
The remainder of the snowpack is consolidated with no layers of concern.
Friday Night
Partly cloudy. 10 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -14 °C.
Saturday
Mix of sun and clouds. 20 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -13 °C.
Sunday
Mix of sun and clouds. 0 to 3 cm of snow. 50 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.
Monday
Mostly cloudy. 5 to 15 cm of snow. 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
