Steep solar aspects could see increase natural avalanche activity this weekend as clear skies and warmer temps heat southerly aspects.
Be mindful of overhead avalanche hazard, especial on solar aspects.
Recent winds have created wind-slabs in the alpine and some tree-line locations. Avalanche control Friday produce several results to size 2 on this layer. With Extreme winds forecasted Sunday the sensitivity of this avalanche problem could increase.
This problem represents both the Dec. 2nd crust/ facet layer (treeline and below) and layers of faceted snow that were formed during the late December cold snap (all elevations). If triggered, either layer will result in large avalanches.
The ridge of high pressure will begin to break down on Sunday with winds becoming more westerly at ridge top. Peak wind values at ridge crest will be in the strong to extreme range through the day. Temperatures will be warmer with freezing levels near 1500m. Steep, sheltered South aspects will likely see increased warming due to solar heating.
Recent wind and new snow have created fresh wind slabs in the alpine and some tree-line areas. Much of the new snow overlay a facet interface formed in late December. The Dec. 2 crust and facets are generally 60-90cm deep and still producing results in snowpack tests. Some thin snowpack areas have lingering basal depth hoar and facets.
Avalanche control in Kootenay and on the Sunshine road Friday produced several results to size 2 at alpine and tree line elevations. The predominant weak layer triggered, were surface winds slabs 20-40cm deep. This past week we have observed several large avalanches failing on the persistent avalanche problem.
