Heightened avalanche conditions exist on specific terrain features. Note the distribution of the avalanche problems (below), tune into conditions that change with aspect and elevation.
Wind affected snow sits over weak surfaces including surface hoar, which remains triggerable by riders. Wind slabs may step down to the weak crystals at the base of the snowpack, producing larger avalanches.
Weak faceted snow at the base of the snowpack remains a concern primarily in the Invermere area. Recent activity has occurred on steep, smooth north facing slopes where the snowpack is shallow (thin) and weak.
On Monday and Tuesday, avalanche activity was limited to a few natural wind slabs in north-facing alpine terrain, and dry loose sluffing in wind sheltered areas.
On the weekend, natural storm slabs were reported up to size 2 and explosive and skier controlled deep persistent slabs were reported to size 1.5 on north facing slopes around treeline near Invermere.
Observations are limited, please submit a MIN if you head into the backcountry!
10-15 cm of wind affected snow sits on sun crusts on south facing slopes, surface hoar in sheltered areas, and previously wind-affected snow.
In the Invermere area, avalanches have been failing on weak faceted snow at the base of the snowpack. So far reports suggest it does not extend throughout the forecast region.
Treeline snow depths are generally 50 to 70 cm, with deeper wind-loaded pockets in the alpine.
Wednesday Night
Partly cloudy. <10 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.
Thursday
A mix of sun and cloud. <10 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C.
Friday
A mix of sun and cloud. 10 to 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.
Saturday
Cloudy with sunny breaks and 1 to 3 cm of snow. 20 to 30 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
