While warm and sun will definitely increase the likelihood of avalanches, we are unsure of how large they may be.
It's an eggs-cellent time to make more conservative terrain choices.
As temperatures rise and sun prevails, expect the large and weakening cornices to collapse. Give a wide berth to cornices and be very aware of overhead hazard.
With full sun and rising temperatures, expect a wet loose avalanche cycle. Use extra caution in sheltered or north-facing areas where dry snow is being warmed for the first time.
On Friday, a skier triggered avalanche occurred in the Manning park area, read the whole report here.
On Tuesday, avalanche control work conducted south of Hope produced a few small (size 1-1.5) loose dry and slab avalanches with good propagation but not running fast or very far.
If you are heading into the backcountry, consider sharing your observations and posting a MIN.
Warm daytime temperatures and clear nights have formed a surface crust in many areas, with wet or slushy surface snow elsewhere.
Up to 45 cm of new snow has fallen over the past week and been redistributed by wind. In some areas, this snow overlies a melt-freeze crust, creating an ideal sliding surface. This new snow is settling and bonding with 50 cm of snow that is above a widespread, thick, and hard crust that exists everywhere except the highest alpine terrain.
The lower snowpack is generally strong and bonded.
Saturday Night
Clear skies. 20 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 3 °C. Freezing level 2500 m.
Sunday
Sunny. 10 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 5 °C. Freezing level 2700 m.
Monday
Mostly sunny. 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 6 °C. Freezing level 2700 m.
Tuesday
Mix of sun and clouds. 2 mm of precipitation as snow or rain at treeline. 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1600 m.
Warming weather will change the game, click this link for great terrain and travel advice.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
