Triggering large storm slabs will be most likely in wind affected terrain.
Persistent slabs remain possible to human trigger at treeline and above.
At upper elevations, where the crust is thinner or not present, it may still be possible to trigger persistent slabs on multiple buried weak layers of surface hoar and/or crusts in the top 120 cm of the snowpack.
10 to 20 cm of recent snow and strong southwest winds have formed storm slabs that will be most reactive in wind-affected terrain.
On Wednesday, a naturally triggered size 1.5 persistent slab was reported east of Kaslo, on a southeast aspect at treeline. Numerous explosive triggered wind slabs up to size 2 were also reported near Kootenay Pass.
Avalanche activity is expected to increase on Thursday with the new snow and wind.
10 to 20 cm of recent snow and strong southwest winds have formed storm slabs that will be most reactive in wind-affected terrain.
Below the recent snow is a 1 to 10 cm thick crust on all aspects. The thickness of the crust depends on elevation.
At upper elevations, where the crust is thinner or not present, it may still be possible to trigger persistent slabs on multiple buried weak layers of surface hoar and/or crusts in the top 120 cm of the snowpack.
The mid/lower snowpack is well settled and strong in most areas.
Thursday Night
Mostly cloudy. 0 to 5 cm of snow. 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.
Friday
Mostly cloudy. 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -9 °C.
Saturday
Mix of sun and clouds. 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.
Sunday
Sunny. 20 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
