We are getting back into a seasonal spring trend with cool nights, warm days, and highly variable snow conditions with elevation and aspect changes. Be on the lookout for signs that suggest unstable snow.
Wind slabs may be found in lee terrain features below ridges. Small storm slabs could also be found in areas sheltered from the wind.
Cornices are large and looming at this time of year. Any cornice release could be catastrophic.
Use caution on sun-exposed slopes when the sun is shining. Relatively warm air and sun can pack a punch, causing loose wet avalanches that may entrain recent snow and travel far.
THURSDAY NIGHT: Snowfall then clearing, accumulation 2 to 5 cm, 10 km/h west wind, alpine temperature -5 C.
FRIDAY: Mix of sun and cloud with no precipitation, 10 km/h northwest wind, alpine temperature -1 C, freezing level rising to 2000 m.
SATURDAY: Mostly clear skies with no precipitation, 10 km/h north wind, alpine temperature 2 C, overnight freeze and daytime freezing level rising to 2300 m.
SUNDAY: Clear skies with no precipitation, 10 to 20 km/h southwest wind, alpine temperature 2 C, freezing level 2300 m.
Wet loose avalanches were observed around Kootenay Pass on Wednesday, releasing above 1800 m within the recent snow.
Please consider posting your observations to the Mountain Information Network to supplement our data stream and help fellow recreationists.
Shaded aspects at treeline and alpine elevations have around 15 to 30 cm of snow from Tuesday and on, with locally thicker amounts in lee terrain features from southwest wind. Sun-exposed slopes and below treeline elevations consist of a bit of recent snow over a melt-freeze crust that may moisten during daytime warming. Remember that cornices are large and looming at this time of year.
The remainder of the snowpack is strong, consisting of hard snow and various melt-freeze crusts.
