Lingering wind slabs may remain reactive to human triggers in isolated locations below alpine ridgetops.
Minimize exposure to overhead hazards when solar radiation is strong.
Reports of wind slab avalanche activity are decreasing however where windslabs overlie a weak layer of facets or surface hoar they may remain reactive to human triggering.
On Monday, a size 1 skier-triggered wind slab avalanche was reported on an east aspect at 1800 m. The wind slab was overlying a layer of small surface hoar 25 cm deep.
If you are headed into the backcountry please consider making a MIN post with photos and observations from the day. The information is very helpful for forecasters!
The snow surfaces varies depending on aspect, elevation and exposure. In the alpine and exposed treeline, the snow surface is wind-affected. Northerly winds have built stiff wind slabs on exposed lee features. In sheltered areas at treeline and below 10 to 30 cm of low-density snow can still be found. On steep solar slopes is a weak melt-freeze crust covers the surface.
10 to 30 cm down is a small weak layer of surface hoar or facets. This layer remains a concern in isolated areas where a wind slab overlies it.
An otherwise right-side-up snowpack appears to be bonding well to a crust buried 70 to 100 cm deep. The mid and lower snowpack is generally well-settled and bonded with no layers of concern.
Tuesday Night
Mostly clear skies. 20 to 30 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing levels 2700 m.
Wednesday
Mostly sunny. 20 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +1 °C. Freezing levels 2700 m.
Thursday
Partly cloudy with light flurries, 2 to 4 cm. 40 to 50 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C. Freezing levels drop to the valley bottom.
Friday
Mainly sunny. 20 to 25 km/h northerly ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C. Freezing levels at the valley bottom.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
