Fresh wind slab formation is likely with strong winds and light snowfall forecast for many areas.
Fresh wind slabs continue to form with ongoing south through southwest winds. A buried layer of surface hoar may exist beneath (30 to 80 cm deep) wind slabs on shaded, northerly slopes, immediately beneath ridge tops.
No avalanche activity has been reported. Last week, numerous loose wet avalanches were reported and several wind slab avalanches were reported in both Haines Pass and White Pass, including one that was remotely triggered and surprisingly large due to buried surface hoar.
If you’re heading into the backcountry, please consider submitting a MIN report—observations are particularly limited this time of year.
Ongoing southwesterly winds continue to redistribute new snow, forming wind slabs in leeward terrain. A layer of surface hoar may persist beneath these slabs in isolated areas, roughly 30 to 60 cm deep. This layer appears most reactive on shaded, north-facing slopes, immediately below ridgetop features.
A variety of firm or crusty surfaces is likely on south-facing and lower-elevation terrain due to warming and solar input, as well as in exposed higher-elevation areas where wind scouring continues.
The lower snowpack remains weak and faceted, particularly in areas with a shallow overall snowpack.
Monday Night
Partly cloudy. Up to 5 cm of snow. 20 gusting to 55 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.
Tuesday
Mostly cloudy. Up to 5 cm of snow. 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.
Wednesday
Mix of sun and clouds. 2 cm of snow. 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.
Thursday
Mostly cloudy. 1 to 3 cm of snow. 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 800 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
