Wind slab formation has been extensive and could extend into openings below treeline.
Persistent slabs sitting on a weak layer of surface hoar have been most reactive at treeline and below.
Keep your guard up at all elevations. Wind slab formation has been extensive and could extend into openings below treeline.
Be aware of the potential for remote triggering and large avalanches due to buried surface hoar, especially at treeline and below.
On Thursday, natural and rider-triggered wind slab size 1-2 were reported.
On Wednesday, riders triggered persistent slabs on a northeast aspect below treeline near Golden. See MIN 1 and 2 for details.
On Tuesday, several rider-triggered persistent slab avalanches up to size 2 were reported on a north aspect below treeline near Invermere.
Numerous naturally triggered wind slabs up to size 2 were also reported throughout the region on east aspects in the alpine.
15 to 25 cm of recent snow and variable strong winds have formed wind slabs on a variety of aspects and elevations, including open areas below treeline.
A layer of surface hoar down 30 to 60 cm has recently become reactive to human triggers. The 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 in some areas. In others, large facets (depth hoar) are present at the bottom of the snowpack.
Thursday Night
Mostly cloudy. 3 to 10 cm of snow. 70 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.
Friday
Mostly cloudy. 0 to 10 cm of snow. 60 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.
Saturday
Sunny. 35 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.
Sunday
Sunny. 35 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
