NRC Wind Slabs

<p>2021-12-28, Macdonald West (NRC) Climbed up to 2400m on the Macdonald West Shoulder. We found a touchy wind slab starting around 2200m. We observed several cracking and had multiple hand shear with easy results. The slab depth varied from 5cm to 30cm, with an hardness ranging from 4F to P. Those obs made us bail on our initial plan (Avalanche NW couloir). On the way down, we triggered a 1.5 Wind Slab, 15-20cm deep @ aprox 2200m, while ski cutting from the ridgeline to the more open slope. Below that, the wind slab progressively disapeared and transitioned to better quality snow. On the steep and rocky roll 1/2 way down the descent, we triggered 2 isolated pocket of wind slabs, 5cm deep, which resulted in 2 Sz 1 avalanches </p>

Terrain Avoided

Convex slopes, Steep slopes.

Avalanche Conditions

Slab avalanches today or yesterday.

Snow Conditions

Wind affected.