Triggering storm slab avalanches is possible. Gather information as you approach avalanche terrain.
Triggering storm slab avalanches is possible by humans, especially in steep and convex terrain and near ridgetops that have been loaded by blowing snow.
SATURDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with isolated flurries, 30 km/h wind from northwest, alpine temperatures around -5 C, freezing level at 1000 m.
SUNDAY: Mainly sunny, 40 km/h wind from the north, alpine high temperatures around -7 C, freezing level at 900 m.
MONDAY: Mainly sunny, 50 km/h wind from the northwest, alpine high temperatures around -5 C, freezing level at 900 m.
TUESDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, 30 km/h wind from the northwest, alpine high temperatures around -1 C, freezing level at 900 m.
The past week delivered about 15-40 cm of snow, with the highest accumulations around Kootenay Pass. This snow has been blown around by southwest wind and sits above hard layers of wind pressed snow and crusts. There are reports of several layers 30-60 cm below the surface that could develop into avalanche problems in the future. These layers could be composed of facet/crust layers or surface hoar depending on aspect and elevation. Snowpack depths are about 120 cm at treeline and below treeline is just reaching the threshold.
Two skier triggered avalanches of size 2 and size 1 were reported on Saturday as well as two small artificially controlled avalanches (size 1.5). The slabs were up to 50 cm thick and the released on a crust.
Several small (size 1) human triggered slab avalanches were reported on Tuesday and Wednesday. These slabs were between 10 to 30 cm thick and occurred on all aspects.
