Strong winds and steady amounts of new snow are refreshing the storm slab problem.
Approach lee and cross-loaded slopes with caution and stick to sheltered spots to find the best snow!
Ongoing snowfall and strong gusty winds will continue to build storm slabs. Expect to find them most reactive in alpine wind affected areas around ridge top or in cross loaded terrain features.
Sporadic natural avalanche activity continues to occur in steep alpine terrain, typically during periods of strong wind. A few size 1.5 avalanches were observed near Grizzly couloir. On Sunday morning a natural size 3, in the Crossover/Herdman area, ran far making it into the mounds in the runout.
Around 100cm of recent snow fall has been redistributed by strong winds in the alpine and exposed tree line areas. In sheltered terrain and below tree line the snow is well settled and supportive. Beneath this a thin rain crust exists up to 2300m and has formed a solid bed-surface for avalanches to run on.
A series of frontal systems continues to bring moderate snowfall and strong winds.
Tonight Trace precip. Low -9°C. Winds SE 15-25km/hr. Freezing level (FZL): 500m.
Wed Periods of snow, ~10cm. Alpine temp: High 0°C. Wind: South 40 gusting 65km/hr. FZL 1800m.
Thurs Flurries. Snow: 6cm. Alpine temp: High -4°C. Wind SW 30-55km/hr. FZL 1400m.
Fri Snow 14cm. Alpine temp: High -4°C. Wind W light. FZL at valley bottom.
