Recently formed storm slabs will be most reactive in wind affected areas at treeline and above. Be especially cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.
Smaller storm slabs in motion may step-down to deeper layers resulting in very large avalanches. This problem can be avoided through conservative terrain choices.
New snow, strong winds and rising freezing levels have created widespread storm slabs ripe for human triggers.
SUNDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with flurries; 3-5 cm. / Strong, south ridgetop wind / alpine low temperature -9 / Freezing level valley bottom.
MONDAY: Snow; 5-10 cm, with another 5-10 cm overnight. / Strong, south ridgetop wind / alpine high temperature -5 / Freezing level 800 m.
TUESDAY: Mostly cloudy / Strong, southwest ridgetop wind / alpine high temperature -5 / Freezing level 800 m.
WEDNESDAY: Cloudy with flurries; 3-5 cm. / Strong, southwest ridgetop wind / alpine high temperature -3 / Freezing level 1300 m.
On Sunday, numerous explosive triggered storm slab avalanches up to size 3.5 were reported just west of revelstoke.
On Saturday, numerous natural and skier triggered storm slabs to size 1 at treeline and below were reported.
Recently formed storm slab will be most reactive in wind affected terrain at treeline and above.
15-25 cm of new snow brings recent snow totals to around 50 cm. Strong southwesterly winds, and mild temps have formed widespread storm slabs at all elevations.
Two persistent weak layers buried in early/mid Dec. are now 110-160 cm below the surface. The form and distribution of these layers are HIGHLY VARIABLE and have created conditions that can vary significantly from one valley to the next. The first layer has been primarily reported as small surface hoar. The next layer has been reported as a thin freezing rain crust, surface hoar, or thick rain crust depending on elevation and location. As a result, diligent investigation of the snowpack is required to get a handle on local conditions.
