A stable weather pattern with little precipitation is expected on Monday. Should the sun pop out, it could destabilize sun-exposed slopes and weaken cornices.
25 to 35 cm of snow from Thursday fell with strong to extreme southeast to southwest wind, forming thick wind slabs in lee (northerly) terrain features. Also note that cornices are large and could fail from the weight of a human.
A weak layer of feathery surface hoar may be found around 100 cm deep on northerly aspects around treeline and lower alpine elevations. This layer may be spotty and only found in sheltered terrain features in parts of the region. Although we haven't heard of any reports of avalanche activity on this layer for over a week, the layer has produced results in snowpack tests, where it exists. Assess the layer in the snowpack prior to committing to avalanche terrain or adopt a conservative mindset to avoid the problem.
SUNDAY Night: Clear periods, light southwest wind, alpine temperature -8 C.
MONDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, light west wind, alpine temperature -7 C, freezing level 900 m.
TUESDAY: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 5 to 10 cm, moderate southwest wind, alpine temperature -5 C, freezing level 1000 m.
WEDNESDAY: Mainly cloudy with scattered flurries, light west winds, alpine temperature -5 C, freezing level 1100 m.
Reports on Sunday show two natural cornice failures to size 2 on north aspects in the alpine. On Friday, storm snow was reactive to riders and explosives. Many small to large (size 1 to 2.5) avalanches were triggered, generally 20 to 50 cm deep. There was also a report of a large conrice failure near Whistler, showcased in this MIN.
25 to 35 cm of snow that fell late last week with strong to extreme south to southwest wind, formed wind slabs in lee terrain features at treeline and alpine elevations.
A weak layer of surface hoar crystals and/or faceted grains may be found around 100 cm deep on northerly aspects at treeline and lower alpine elevations. For some of the region, the layer may have been destroyed by strong wind immediately before burial on February 22nd, but it may still exist in sheltered terrain features in parts of the region. Where it is found, it has been reactive in snowpack tests. This persistent weak layer warrants investigation and a conservative terrain use strategy. Check out the latest forecaster blog that offers a deeper dive into these conditions.
Weak faceted snow and melt-freeze crusts exist near the base of the snowpack in some of the region, particularly the eastern and northern parts. This layer is considered dormant, as it hasn't produced an avalanche since February 20th. This layer may require a very large load, such as a cornice fall, or rapid weather changes to reactivate it.
