A persistent weak layer remains a concern, particularly in steep, sheltered areas at treeline.
Carefully evaluate steep terrain features before committing to them.
Recent snow and wind built small wind slabs near ridgetops and on lee and crossloaded features at upper elevations. Wind slabs could step down to deeper weak layers.
A persistent weak layer of surface hoar or facets over a crust is buried 30 to 60 cm. This layer has been most reactive around steep openings in the forest or high elevation cutblocks.
On Tuesday, explosive control north of Sparwood resulted in two large avalanches that failed on the persistent weak layer up to 60 cm deep. They failed on steep roadbanks below treeline.
On Monday, several small wet loose avalanches were triggered by people and ran naturally on sunny slopes.
Looking forward, natural avalanches are unlikely, but riders triggering slabs remains possible to likely.
The recent snow is covering previously wind-affected surfaces. A surface crust can be found on solar-facing slopes, and most areas at treeline and below.
A persistent weak layer of surface hoar or facets and a crust is buried 30 to 60 cm deep. Persistent slab avalanches are most likely in sheltered areas at treeline and below, where the surface hoar was well preserved.
The mid and lower snowpack are well settled in some areas. In others, large facets or depth hoar are present at the bottom of the snowpack.
Thursday Night
Mostly clear skies. 40 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.
Friday
Mix of sun and clouds. 50 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.
Saturday
Mostly cloudy. 1 to 5 mm of precipitation as snow or rain at treeline. 60 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 2000 m.
Sunday
Mostly cloudy. 5 to 15 mm of precipitation as snow or rain at treeline. 60 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 2200 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
