Recent field trips have shown a high amount of variability in the snowpack based on elevation and aspect. This introduces some uncertainty regarding the reactivity of deep persistent slabs in shallow snowpack areas or if tested by large triggers such as cornices.
The bottom of the snowpack is inherently weak with well-developed Facets and Depth Hoar. Large triggers like cornices can still initiate this deep persistent slab so be mindful of your overhead hazard and keep in mind that human triggering remains possible in thin snowpack areas.
Sporadic avalanches are still occurring throughout the region. On Tuesday a size 2 avalanche ran in the Churchill North Slide path to tree line.
Don't forget to post avalanche observations to the MIN.
Sun crust at all elevations on solar aspects. Facets on polar aspects with unsupportive pockets in shallow snowpack areas. The middle of the snowpack consists of multiple layers of dense wind-affected snow, sun crust, and facets. Depth hoar and basal facets make up the base of the snowpack. Snow depth varies ranges from 60-170cm.
Friday
Mainly cloudy with isolated flurries.
Precipitation: Trace.
Alpine temperature: High -7 °C.
Ridge wind southwest: 20 km/h gusting to 45 km/h.
Freezing level at valley bottom.
Saturday
Mainly cloudy with scattered flurries.
Accumulation: 4 cm.
Alpine temperature: Low -10 °C, High -6 °C.
Ridge wind southwest: 15 km/h gusting to 40 km/h.
Freezing level: 1400 m.
Sunday
Periods of snow.
Accumulation: 5-10cm.
Alpine temperature: Low -14 °C, High -8 °C.
Ridge wind northeast: 10-25 km/h.
Freezing level at valley bottom.
