Surface instabilities and deeper weak layers remain reactive to riders.
Choose low-consequence terrain and watch for signs of instability.
The sensitivity of this problem decreases in the southern boundary of this forecast region. Likely areas for triggering this weak layer are thin spots .
As winds increase, expect new and sensitive wind slabs to begin to form in lee aspect terrain and cross-loaded areas.
On Wednesday 2 large (size 2 to 2.5) persistent slab avalanches where rider triggered, both on North aspect at approximately 2200m. One was near Nelson, the other Rossland. Review this MIN report link for further details
On Monday, small storm slabs and loose dry avalanches (size 1) were easily triggered by riders on steep, sheltered treeline terrain features.
If you head out in the backcountry, let us know what you are seeing by submitting a MIN report!
30 to 50 cm of settling snow can be found in sheltered areas. Previous moderate southwest wind has redistributed this snow, forming deeper deposits on leeward slopes at higher elevations.
Below this recent snow, a thin crust is present below approximately 1600 m.
Weak layers of surface hoar or facets and a crust continue to persist in the mid-snowpack and can be found down between 50 and 120 cm. Professionals are still concerned about its potential instability.
The lower snowpack is generally strong and well-bonded.
Review this video on State of the snowpack for further details.
Thursday Night
Cloudy with light snowfall 1 to 5 cm. 10 to 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -9 °C.
Friday
Cloudy with snowfall 10 to 20 cm. 15 to 25 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.
Saturday
Cloudy with light snowfall 1 to 5 cm, with isolated flurries. 10 to 15 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.
Sunday
Cloudy with snowfall 10 to 15 cm. 15 to 25 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
