New snow & wind is forecast to build reactive slabs.
Validate conditions in the field:
If you see less than 10 cm of new snow in your area, the hazard may only be Moderate.
New snow and wind are expected to form storm slabs. These slabs will be most reactive on wind-loaded north through east facing slopes near ridgetops. They also may be poorly bonded to an underlying rain crust at treeline and below.
On Wednesday
- Numerous storm slabs up to size 2 were triggered by explosive control near Kootenay Pass.
-Several naturally triggered avalanches up to size 1.5 were observed near Whitewater.
-Explosive control near Red Mtn produced numerous wet loose sluffs and some slabs up to size 1.5.
On Tuesday,
-Ski cuts resulted in some small size 1 wind slabs near Whitewater.
Between 10 to 20 mm of precipitation fell across the region on Wednesday, with rain reaching elevations of 1700 to 2100 m, in most areas. As temperatures cooled, this precipitation formed a new surface crust.
Another 10 to 20 cm is expected by Friday afternoon, accompanied by strong southwesterly winds. This is expected to form widespread reactive new storm slabs. The slabs may be poorly bonded to the new rain crust, making them more reactive than usual in some areas.
The mid and lower snowpack is generally well-settled, but contains multiple crust layers with some overlying facets observed.
Thursday Night
Cloudy. 3 to 10 cm of snow. 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C. Freezing level 1400 m.
Friday
Cloudy. 5 to 10 cm of snow. 40 km/h southridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.
Saturday
Mix of sun and clouds. 5 to 15 cm of snow on Friday night. 40 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -13 °C.
Sunday
Sunny. 30 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -13 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
