A persistent weak layer is capable of producing large, dangerous avalanches.
Watch Conditions Update Video.
The best & safest riding is in wind-sheltered areas in the trees.
Wind slabs may remain triggerable on on a variety of aspects. Seek out soft non-wind affected snow at lower elevations for the best riding.
A persistent weak layer is buried 1 - 2 m. This is a low-probability, high-consequence problem. Signs of instability may not be obvious. The only defence is smaller, low-consequence terrain.
Over the last week, both natural wind and persistent slab avalanches were reported, some triggered by falling cornices. See photos for more details.
In the neighbouring bulletin region, a fatal avalanche accident occurred north of Terrace on March 22, which failed on the persistent weak layer. (More details here.)
Recent variable winds left slabs and wind-pressed surfaces on most terrain at upper elevations.
20 to 40 cm of recent storm snow can be found in wind-sheltered areas. Reports suggest the storm snow is bonding fairly well to previous surfaces.
A persistent weak layer made up of a crust and faceted crystals is buried 100–200 cm deep in the snowpack. Due to its depth, it is difficult to trigger and will likely only fail under specific conditions, such as with heavy loads or in spots with thinner snow coverage, adding a significant degree of uncertainty. This layer has been most reactive from treeline into the lower alpine, particularly on northerly through east-facing slopes.
Saturday Night
Mostly clear skies. 0 to 2 cm of snow. 20 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -9 °C.
Sunday
Mix of sun and clouds. 20 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -9 °C.
Monday
Mix of sun and clouds. 0 to 3 cm of snow. 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.
Tuesday
Mostly cloudy. 0 to 3 cm of snow. 30 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
