Temperatures are cooling, but sunny skies will continue for the weekend. The best skiing will likely be found in sheltered terrain.
Don’t get complacent with the deep persistent slab problem — it remains a low-probability, high-consequence concern.
This problem is low probability - high consequence! Be cautious where the snowpack transitions from thick areas to thin areas. A recent size 3 avalanche has been observed on this layer. This problem encompasses multiple weak layers of facets, crusts, and basal facets from November and December.
A size 3 deep persistent slab was triggered in terrain adjacent to the ski hill on Friday. Although natural avalanche activity has tapered, the deep persistent slab remains a low-probability, high-consequence problem.
Maligne Road Patrol on Saturday observed several solar triggered avalanches up to size 1.5
Strong winds from changing directions (southwest to north west) have created wind slabs at tree line & above and even into exposed below treeline features. Fluctuating freezing levels have formed moist snow/melt freeze crusts below 2000m and up to ridge top on solar aspects. The basal facet deep persistent problem remains a concern, particularly in thin snowpack areas, or under large triggers like cornice falls.
Sunday
Sunny with cloudy periods. Alpine temperature: High -6 °C. Ridge wind light to 15 km/h. Freezing level at valley bottom.
MondaySunny with cloudy periods. Alpine temperature: Low -9 °C, High -6 °C. Light ridge wind. Freezing level at valley bottom.
TuesdaySunny with cloudy periods. Alpine temperature: Low -12 °C, High -8 °C. Mostly light ridge wind occasionally gusting to 30 km/h. Freezing level at valley bottom.
