Persistent slab avalanches become more likely to occur as temperatures rise.
As the day warms up, step back to more conservative terrain free from overhead hazard.
Avoid wind loaded features, especially at ridgetop. This is where riders are more likely to trigger a slab which could step down to the persistent problem.
A persistent weak layer of surface hoar or facets remain a concern in the upper 50 to 90 cm of the snowpack. Slabs in motion or cornice failures may step down to this layer causing larger than expected avalanches.
If the temperature goes above zero and the sun comes out, wet loose avalanches will be likely.
One large (size 2) wind slab was seen from a cross-loaded steep feature on Monday.
On Saturday, a large (size 3) natural wind slab failed on a northeast aspect in the alpine, west of Mcbride.
Avalanches are expected to occur on Wednesday with rising temperatures and buried weak layers.
20 to 30 cm of recent snow will be warming with rising temperatures and sunshine.
The early March crust / surface hoar persistent weak layer is down 50 to 90 cm. The greatest concern for this layer is on sheltered north and east-facing upper-elevation terrain. Another weak layer of facets or surface hoar from mid-February lies 70 to 100 cm deep. This layer appears to be strengthening and has not caused any recent avalanches. The lower snowpack remains well-settled with no layers of concern.
Tuesday Night
Mostly clear. 10 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.
Wednesday
A mix of sun and cloud. 10 km/h east ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 1700 m.
Thursday
Mostly cloudy with 5 to 10 cm of snow. 40 to 50 km/h east ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.
Friday
Mostly cloudy with up to 5 cm of snow. 20 to 40 km/h east ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
