Persistent slabs sitting on a weak layer of surface hoar have been most reactive at treeline and below.
Be aware of the potential for remote triggering and large avalanches due to buried surface hoar, especially at treeline and below.
Expect storm slabs to be most reactive in wind affected terrain. Direct sun could also destabilize the new snow.
On Thursday, a size 2.5 avalanche was triggered from 2 m away, at a steep opening in the forest at 1700 m. Several other rider-triggered avalanches were reported between 1900 and 2300 m with crowns 40 to 70 cm deep.
Over the past week, numerous large, persistent slab avalanches have been triggered by riders and failed naturally. (MIN)
Last Saturday, a rider triggered a large (size 2.5) persistent slab avalanche near Whitewater, on a northeast aspect at treeline.
20 to 30 cm of recent snow and variable strong winds have formed wind slabs on a variety of aspects and elevations, including into open areas below treeline.
In the top 100 cm of the snowpack, there are multiple concerning weak layers of surface hoar and/or crusts/facets. The majority of recent persistent slab avalanches have been on well-preserved surface hoar in sheltered areas at treeline and below.
The mid and lower snowpack are well settled.
Friday Night
Mostly cloudy. 1 to 3 cm of snow. 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.
Saturday
Mostly sunny. 20 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.
Sunday
Sunny. 20 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C.
Monday
Sunny. 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 1600 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
