Snow, wind, and warm temperatures can be expected through Friday. This will result in increased avalanche hazard. A cautious approach to terrain selection is required for the next few days until conditions settle.
Recent new snow and wind on Thursday, with more on the way for Friday, will create reactive windslabs at treeline and above elevations.
Loose dry avalanches will start to run in steep alpine gullies as the storm progresses. Ice climbers pay attention to what sort of terrain is above you.
A moist Pacific system will bring up to 20-30 cm to the region through Friday morning. Bow Summit area is forecasted for higher amounts and lesser amounts to the south. Temperatures will cool down on Friday with freezing levels near 1500m and ridgetop temperatures around -10. Winds will remain in the mod to strong range from the SW.
Up to 30 cm of storm snow accompanied by warm temperatures and strong SW winds will have created fresh windslabs in lee treeline and alpine features. Snow depth is 90-110cm in the alpine, and 40–70 cm at treeline, Early reports suggest that while the snowpack is generally thin, the midpack is settled and supports the weight of a skier.
No avalanches reported on Thursday, but lots of wind drifting occurring with stiff slabs up to 50 cm deep reported on the Wapta.
