Surface instabilities
Wind slabs
Over the last week the weather has been relatively benign with some ridgetops seeing periods of sustained moderate winds. Shallow pockets of wind deposited snow can be found up to 6” in places. These shallow wind slab pockets are sitting on poorly bonded faceted snow, but have been mostly non-reactive in the Turnagain Pass zone. Less information exists in Summit Lake, Portage, and Girdwood Valley as well as upper elevations above 4000’. Within this larger zone there are places that have received more exposure to wind and finding a tender wind slab is possible. A wind slab if triggered is unlikely to bury a person, but could take you for a ride in the wrong spot. Use caution in high consequence terrain steeper than 40°.
Loose Snow
Only a trace of new snow was measured in the last 24 hours with only an additional inch expected today. If we receive more than a few inches today, you may see “sluffing” on steep terrain. In general this is a low hazard, but if riding or skiing on slopes steeper than 40° pay attention. Loose snow with enough volume and momentum can knock you off your feet.
Other Hazards
Glide Cracks
No new glide activity or movement has been observed in the last few days. New snow and poor visibility can make it difficult to identify areas with glide cracks present. Use safe travel protocols when stopping to take a break and be aware of your run-out distances from terrain above you.
Low snow coverage
Below 1500’ low snow coverage is deceiving with only a few inches of new snow covering rocks, ice and vegetation. Take your time getting in and out of the alpine today.
View looking from Seattle Ridge South with Sunburst in the distance. Coverage is thin in the valley bottom, but looks much more like winter!
Archives 
The Bottom Line
