Watch for the formation of fresh wind slabs as strong northwest winds batter upper elevations Sunday. Remain cautious on slopes that are wind loaded or getting hit by the sun.
Recent storm snow is gaining strength, but may remain reactive on steep wind loaded and sun-exposed slopes. Strong winds may form new wind slabs at upper elevations.
We’re moving into a period of high winds with dribs/drabs of precipitation. There is potential for a more significant shot of snow on Tuesday, stay tuned for more details.
SATURDAY NIGHT: Freezing level at valley bottom, strong northwest wind, no significant precipitation expected.
SUNDAY: Overcast, freezing level around 500 m, strong northwest wind, 1 to 5 cm of snow possible.
MONDAY: Overcast, freezing level around 700 m, moderate to strong west wind, trace of snow possible.
TUESDAY: Overcast, freezing level around 1000 m, moderate to strong west/southwest wind, 5 to 15 cm of snow possible.
We got a great observation from the Shames backcountry Saturday of some natural avalanches, more details here.
On Friday in the Terrace area near Shames control work produced storm slab avalanches to size 2 on east facing slopes between 1100 and 1200 m. Widespread natural wind slabs to size 2 were also observed in the region. It's also worth noting that glide slabs continue to release randomly, a size 2.5 natural glide slab avalanche was reported from an east facing feature at 700 m near the Basalt Creek Rest Area east of Prince Rupert.
Stormy weather on Tuesday and Wednesday resulted in a natural cycle of size 2 storm slab avalanches, especially on north and east facing slopes that were wind loaded. Some smaller (size 1) slabs were also triggered by riders in similar terrain.
Glide cracks have reportedly been opening and releasing glide slab avalanches. Avoid slopes with glide cracks, as they are unpredictable.
Open terrain has been heavily affected by strong wind from the west, but shifting winds could form slabs on a range of aspects. 30 cm of recent snow is rapidly settling and gaining strength. A thin layer of facets that formed during the January cold snap is now 100-150 cm below the surface and an early season crust exists at the base of the snowpack. These layers produced a few large naturally triggered avalanches last week, but are unreactive under the current conditions.
