It's still winter up high; expect to find wind slabs on lee features in the alpine.
Sunny periods are expected on Saturday. At this time of year when the sun is more intense, it doesn't take much to heat up southerly slopes. Keep an eye out for changing conditions throughout the day.
Ongoing moderate to strong winds have formed wind slabs on previous hard surfaces (sun crusts and old wind slabs). These have not bonded yet to the old surfaces.
This problem seems to be most active where the March 19th crust is not supportive over the Feb 3rd weak layer (down 30-90cm) of facets over a crust. This problem remains a concern on shaded aspects above 2400m.
No new avalanche observations.
10-20cm of recent snow has been redistributed by South to SW winds in the Alpine. It is still very much winter conditions above 2800m. Solar slopes and all aspects at tree line and below have a plethora of crusts in the upper snow pack. The Feb 3 PWL is down 40-100cm and remains a concern on shaded aspects above 2400m. The basal depth hoar/facets are gaining strength in deeper snowpack areas.
Mountain Weather Forecast is available at Avalanche Canada
Saturday
Cloudy with sunny periods. Ridge wind west: 15 km/h gusting to 40 km/h. Freezing level: 2200m.
Sunday
Cloudy with sunny periods. Ridge wind southwest: 10-25 km/h. Freezing level: 2400m.
Monday
Flurries bringing 6 cm of snow. Ridge wind northwest: 10-30 km/h. Freezing level: 2000m.
