Forecast snow and wind are expected to trigger large natural avalanches on Monday.
Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended.
Forecast snow and wind are expected to form large storm slabs that are reactive to human triggers at all elevations on Monday.
Numerous rider triggered wind slabs up to size 1.5 were reported on primarily west and south aspects at treeline and above on Saturday.
One naturally triggered size 2 wind slab was reported on a south aspect at treeline near Kootenay Pass.
Forecast snow and wind are expected to form dangerous storm slabs that are reactive to human triggers at all elevations on Monday.
Forecast snow and wind are expected to form fresh storm slabs that are reactive to human triggers at all elevations.
The storm snow will add to the 20-30 cm of recent snow which overlies a variety of surfaces. These include surface hoar (3-5 mm) on shady slopes, wind affected surfaces at treeline and above, and sun crust on sunny aspects.
A layer of surface hoar or sun crust (aspect dependent) can be found down 50-70 cm.
The lower snowpack includes a layer of weak sugary facets near the ground. These facets are slowly gaining strength and no recent avalanches have been reported on this layer. However, we continue to track the layer and watch for any signs of it becoming active.
Sunday Night
Snow; 15-20 cm / Strong west ridgetop wind / Low temperature at treeline around -3 C / Freezing level 1200 m
Monday
Snow; 15-25 cm (rain below 1500 m); another 10-20 cm overnight / Strong southwest ridgetop wind / High temperature at treeline around 2 C / Freezing level rising to 1700 m
Tuesday
Mix of sun and cloud / Light southwest ridgetop wind / High temperature at treeline around -2 C / Freezing level 1200 m
Wednesday
Sunny / Light west ridgetop wind / High temperature at treeline around 0 C / Freezing level 1500 m
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
