Very dangerous avalanche conditions. Natural avalanches are likely.
Travel in avalanche terrain not recommended.
A weak layer of surface hoar/crust/facets exists in the upper snowpack. Triggering this layer is still possible but it's distribution is spotty. The most likely areas are on north facing terrain and was recently reactive in the Flathead.
Recent storm snow will remain reactive as it settles. Cold temperatures may prolong its reactivity specifically where it has formed over a crust.
On Tuesday, a widespread cycle of natural, human, and explosive triggered storm slab avalanches up to size 2 occurred in the Lizard Range.
We are aware of an emerging avalanche incident in the Coal Creek area southwest of Fernie. Further details are not yet available, but will be provided when possible.
Roughly 50 cm of storm snow has developed touchy storm slabs over an upper snowpack that is variable and contains two distinct layers:
At 50 cm depth, a supportive crust exists on south-facing terrain. On north-facing terrain, this crust is breakable or absent.
Between 60 and 100 cm depth, a persistent weak layer of crust/facets with spotty surface hoar is present.
The persistent weak layer is becoming less reactive but continues to produce sporadic avalanches, particularly on north aspects where a supportive crust is absent and in less-travelled areas like the Flathead. Recent storm snow will further load these layers.
Tuesday Night
Partly cloudy. 10 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -16 °C.
Wednesday
Mix of sun and clouds. 10 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -19 °C.
Thursday
Mix of sun and clouds. 1 to 2 cm of snow. 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -15 °C.
Friday
Mix of sun and clouds. 1 to 2 cm of snow. 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -12 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
