Dry snow remains on high elevation northerly slopes however, this is also where triggering weak layers is most likely. Use caution in these areas and practice good travel habits.
Weak layers formed in February and January persist within the upper 90 cm of the snowpack. Avoid shallow snowpack areas where triggering these layers is more likely.
Over the weekend, several loose wet avalanches were reported east of McBride up to size 1.5.
Last week, several natural and rider-triggered wind slab and persistent slab avalanches were reported, up to size 2.5. These avalanches have mainly occurred in north-to-east facing alpine and treeline terrain.
Natural avalanche activity has tapered off with cooler temperatures; however, human triggering the persistent layers remains a concern.
A few centimeters of snow overlies a melt-freeze crust on all aspects to 1600 m. Previous strong southwest winds built stiff wind slabs in the alpine and treeline.
A weak layer of surface hoar or facets is found 20 to 50 cm down in many areas. A second weak layer is found down 60 to 90 cm, consists of surface hoar/facets and/or a hard crust. These persistent layers remain a concern, with the potential for large step-down avalanches.
Monday Night
Clear skies. 10 to 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C. Freezing level drops to valley bottom.
Tuesday
Mainly clear skies. 5 to 15 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level rising to 1500 m.
Wednesday
A mix of sun and cloud. 10 to 20 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 1300 m.
Thursday
A mix of sun and cloud. 30 to 40 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C. Freezing level 1200 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
