It's a good day to make conservative terrain choices.
Storm slabs will remain reactive longer than usual due to the underlying weak layer.
Additional snow is adding to the existing storm slabs, which are expected to remain reactive due to the underlying layer of large surface hoar and a crust. Use extra caution in sheltered areas at treeline, where triggering is most likely.
Saturday, natural avalanches occurred throughout the region, with numerous storm slabs (size 2) releasing from north to east alpine and treeline slopes.
A few storm slabs (size 1 to 2) caught riders by surprise on steep convex slopes at treeline and below on various aspects near Ymir.
All these avalanches released on the late January surface hoar layer over a crust mentioned in the snowpack summary.
An additional 10 cm of snow is expected on Sunday, bringing a total of 20 to 45 cm of snow over the late January surface hoar/crust layer. This new snow has been accompanied by moderate to strong south and west wind, meaning that the crust will likely remain on the surface on southerly aspects and deeper deposits will be found on north and east aspects.
The late January surface hoar is largest on sheltered treeline and below treeline features from and may not exist on exposed terrain in the alpine.
At 1700 meters and below or on steep south aspects, the snow surface is likely moist due to daytime warming. The mid and lower snowpack is well settled.
Check this MIN report to learn about conditions around Ymir on Saturday.
Sunday Night
Cloudy. 1 to 3 cm of snow at treeline. 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.
Monday
Mostly cloudy. 3 to 5 cm of snow at treeline. 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.
Tuesday
Mostly cloudy. 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 1800 m.
Wednesday
A mix of sun and clouds. 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 2 °C. Freezing level 2700 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
