Dogtooth

Wind slab formation has been extensive and could extend into openings below treeline.

Persistent slabs sitting on a weak layer of surface hoar may be possible to human trigger.

Moderate

• Persistent slabs could become more likely with the forecast weather.

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.

10 to 20 cm of recent snow accompanied by strong southwest wind has formed deeper deposits on north and east aspects. In sheltered terrain it will overlie a variety of surfaces including surface hoar, facets, and a sun crust.

There are 2 prominent weak layers in the upper snowpack

• A surface hoar/crust layer buried early to mid-February is down 15 to 30 cm.

• A facet/crust layer buried at the end of January is down roughly 20 to 40 cm.

Below this, the mid and lower snowpack are well settled with several crust layers.

Wednesday Night
Mostly cloudy. 70 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C.

Thursday
Mostly cloudy. 0 to 10 cm of snow. 80 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.

Friday
Mostly cloudy. 60 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.

Saturday
Sunny. 35 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Keep your guard up at all elevations. Wind slab formation has been extensive and could extend into openings below treeline.
• Recent wind has varied in direction, so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
• Watch for signs of instability like whumpfing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks, or recent avalanches.
• Be aware of the potential for remote triggering and large avalanches due to buried surface hoar.
• In times of uncertainty, conservative terrain choices are our best defense.