Use caution at higher elevations, where reactive wind slabs linger, and above-freezing temperatures may increase the likelihood of avalanches throughout the day.
Deeper deposits of wind-loaded snow may exist in exposed slopes at treeline and above. Beneath these wind slabs lies a crust with facets that could make them surprisingly reactive.
No new avalanches have been reported in this region.
If you are heading into the backcountry, please share your observations with the Mountain Information Network.
Up to 20 cm of wind-affected snow overlies a widespread melt-freeze crust, ranging in thickness from 5 to 20 cm. Beneath the crust sits 10 to 20 cm of unconsolidated faceted snow. In wind-sheltered terrain, surface hoar may be present on top of the crust.
With the freezing levels rising well into the alpine on Wednesday, surface snow may become moist in the afternoon at all elevations, particularly on sun-affected slopes.
The mid and lower snowpack is well settled.
Check this MIN report for more details on conditions north of Sparwood from last weekend.
Tuesday Night
Partly cloudy. 60 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1800 m.
Wednesday
Mix of sun and clouds. 60 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature rising from -1 to 3 °C. Freezing level rising to 3300 m by the afternoon.
Thursday
Mostly sunny. 60 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 3 °C. Freezing level 3300 m.
Friday
Mostly sunny. 50 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 3 °C. Freezing level 3300 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
