Pay attention to the Jan 24 surface hoar layer down 30-40 cm. This layer has been reactive in this region at tree-line and below. Look for this layer and test it before committing to the terrain.
A 20-40 cm slab over the Jan. 24th surface hoar layer could catch users off guard in isolated, shady aspects at treeline and below. Check the snowpack often and monitor the character and behaviour of the slab above this weak layer closely. Recent activity has been between 1600 and 1900 m.
Watch for Dry Loose avalanches in steep terrain in the alpine.
A skier remote avalanche was reported Wednesday from Simpson area in Kootenay Park releasing on Jan 24 surface hoar at 1800m.
On Sunday a an avalanche (on Jan 24 surface hoar) was triggered in Little Yoho Valley in Yoho Park
20-30 cm recent low density snow, with minimal wind effect, overlays sun-crusts on solar aspects and scoured terrain in alpine. The Jan 24 layer (surface hoar/crust) is down 30-40 cm at treeline and has been reactive in some areas in Yoho and Kootenay – Dig down and check for this layer before committing. See avalanche section of Bulletin.
Friday, Feb 20
Mixed sun and cloud with no new snow.
Winds: NW-Light.
Temps at 2300m: -14°
Saturday, Feb 21
Mixed sun and cloud
Winds: South-Light
Temps at 2300m: -10°
