Fresh and localized wind slabs exist near ridgelines and rollovers. If you see signs of instability, stick to low-angle terrain, as the snowpack may be sensitive to human triggers.
Fresh and lingering wind slabs may exist in lee features where they overlie a thick crust. Watch for unstable snow on steep and unsupported slopes where triggering may be possible.
No new avalanches have been reported in this region.
Sluffing and pinwheeling were observed on steep slopes due to daytime warming near Castle Mountain Resort on Saturday.
If you are heading into the backcountry, please share your observations with the Mountain Information Network.
10 to 15 cm of snow now overlies the late January surface hoar/crust layer. This snow has been accompanied by strong to extreme west wind, meaning that the crust is still on the surface on southerly aspects and deeper deposits will be found on east aspects.
The surface is moist at lower elevations due to warming. The mid and lower snowpack is well settled.
Check this MIN report to learn about conditions north of Sparwood on Saturday.
Sunday Night
Mostly cloudy. 3 to 5 cm of snow at treeline. 60 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C. Freezing level 1700 m.
Monday
Cloudy. 50 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C. Freezing level 1700 m.
Tuesday
A mix of sun and clouds. 50 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 2200 m.
Wednesday
A mix of sun and clouds. 60 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +2 °C. Freezing level 2700 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
