Be careful with wind-loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and rollovers.
Wind slabs may not bond well to the underlying crust.
Fresh and lingering wind slabs may still exist in lee features where they overlie a thick crust. Watch for unstable snow on steep and unsupported slopes where triggering may be possible.
No new avalanches have been reported in this region.
If you are heading into the backcountry, please share your observations with the Mountain Information Network.
10 to 15 cm of snow now overlies the late January surface hoar/crust layer. This snow has been accompanied by strong to extreme west wind, meaning that the crust is still on the surface on southerly aspects and deeper deposits will be found on east aspects.
The surface is moist at lower elevations due to warming. The mid and lower snowpack is well settled.
Check this MIN report to learn about conditions north of Sparwood on Saturday.
Monday Night
Mostly cloudy. 50 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C. Freezing level 1400 m.
Tuesday
A mix of sun and clouds. 50 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 2000 m.
Wednesday
A mix of sun and clouds. 50 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 2 °C. Freezing level 2500 m.
Thursday
A mix of sun and clouds. 60 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 4 °C. Freezing level 3300 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
