A weak layer of snow is buried 50 to 70 cm deep and is still a problematic layer.
Avoid areas where the surface snow is denser and feels "slabby"
Wind slabs may now be buried under a few centimetres of snow, watch for signs of instability like whumpfing or shooting cracks, and avoid areas where the surface feels more dense.
Human triggered avalanches are possible anywhere that a slab has formed above a weak layer of surface hoar, facets, and/or crust buried at the end of January about 50 to 70 cm deep.
Friday : A large (size 2) remote triggered avalanche was reported at treeline on a south aspect on a 35 degree slope. A few small wind slab avalanches were reported on east aspects.
Thursday: A few large (size 2 to 2.5) natural avalanches were reported on a southeast and east aspects in the alpine.
A weak layer of snow formed during the cold drought period in January is continuing to produce large natural avalanches in the region.
35 to 50 cm of soft snow is on the surface, with deeper deposits in wind-loaded areas. Cold temperatures have kept the recent storm snow loose and low density.
Variable wind speeds and directions through the storm and after mean that the extent of wind-affected snow at different aspects and elevations will vary across the region.
This recent snow has not bonded well to the late January drought layer, which includes melt-freeze crusts on sun-exposed slopes, large surface hoar or facets in sheltered areas, and wind-affected snow in exposed terrain at ridgelines.
The lower snowpack is strong and bonded.
Saturday Night
Partly cloudy with flurries. 10 to 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -18 °C.
Sunday
Partly cloudy with flurries. 20 to 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -15 °C.
Monday
Sunny. 10 to 20 km/h north ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -18 °C.
Tuesday
Mostly sunny. 10 to 30 km/h north ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -18 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
